tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22453347047393952632017-09-24T03:03:09.781-04:00Extreme AviationDoc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-31898357895465364362017-05-26T14:14:00.000-04:002017-05-26T14:14:14.453-04:003DHS 48" Demonstrator__Too Much Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZwxEFp2XoU/WRzDeTuINPI/AAAAAAAAImg/UvvJRgrbUrwDgsAY0BrngY7Wbn08X6qiQCLcB/s1600/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZwxEFp2XoU/WRzDeTuINPI/AAAAAAAAImg/UvvJRgrbUrwDgsAY0BrngY7Wbn08X6qiQCLcB/s640/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><em><strong>Too much joy</strong></em>, you know, like when you are doing something you aren't supposed to be doing and loving every second of it.,<br /><br />&nbsp;Remembering when we were young, the times we were doing something completely blissful was usually right before we got caught, and that instant lasts forever when you are flying a Demonstrator. It's so much fun you know that you are being a bad, bad boy. Truly, <em>too much joy</em>.<br /><br />So, I just had to build a second one. You know, just in case.<br /><br />My initial reaction to seeing the first photos of the Demonstrator was that, thankfully they finally put a nice landing gear on it, because the old Edge 1.5 Huck this plane is based on flew pretty well. Now it's going to be a nice plane. What caught me out was just how much nicer 3DHS has made this plane. The carbon motorbox, battery tray, anti rotation pins and supports, plus carbon reinforced servo mounts and cowl tabs not only stiffens up the plane considerably (which makes it fly and track better), but the bling value makes the Demonstrator as much&nbsp;fun to show off to people than any plane I can remember. <br /><br />The capper is the superb printed color scheme with carbon style flames licking over the entire plane. From a cool standpoint, this plane is simply blinding.<br /><br />Even though that's more than enough,&nbsp;that's not the real story behind this plane. The real joy is the most important part, which as always is the flying. I flew enough 1.5 hucks to know I was going to like this plane, but the surprise was how much better the improvements stiffened the plane, and how much better that makes it fly. I've got to be honest and say the 1.5 in my eye was never as good as the SHP, even for the new guys. Remember the SHP is my baseline plane, and I judge every other plane by how it compares to this. The 1.5&nbsp;was a decent plane, but the SHP was always going to be better in every way. Now though, the Demonstrator is at least it's equal, so equal in fact that I can't separate them. If I had to choose just one, it would come down to flipping a coin.<br /><br />As much fun as I have had over the last 10 years flying SHPs, the Demonstrator gives the same kind of giggles, only with sizzling coolness.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/217905504" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/217905504">Edge Demonstrator__Too Much Joy</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><strong>Servo Upgrade</strong><br />I've been using Hitec HS65MGs in my current Demonstrator and while they have been great, after 300 really hard flights they are getting a little tired and I wanted to upgrade for this plane. They have been great, but since this is a new plane, I wanted the very best of everything for it, including servos.<br /><strong></strong><br />My friends at <em><strong><a href="http://hitecrcd.com/" target="_blank">Hitec RCD</a></strong></em> were kind enough to send me a set of <strong><a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5070mh-ultra-torque-metal-gear-feather-servo/product" target="_blank">HS5070MH</a></strong> servos, and the new Demonstrator was a good opportunity to put them into play. These servos run on 7.4 to 8.0 volts, and as such,&nbsp;have much better speed,&nbsp;torque and centering.&nbsp;This is going to show up big in how well the new plane will fly. There's going to be no stalling or blowback, which will give you a more responsive plane. Also,&nbsp;the plane will track like a laser beam with their&nbsp;precision centering. Major upgrade for only a few dollars.<br /><br />&nbsp;Also worth noting is that this HS5070MH is under stressed in this application, so they just sort of do the job loafing around. It's like using a hammer to drive a thumb tack, but the benefit is the servos are having such an easy time of it that reliability goes way up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKWYOnclqyA/WRyYniLYMwI/AAAAAAAAImQ/h3MzlxOMexsw92njZd2lXtZUhDiA7uwoACLcB/s1600/373_1_HS-5070MH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKWYOnclqyA/WRyYniLYMwI/AAAAAAAAImQ/h3MzlxOMexsw92njZd2lXtZUhDiA7uwoACLcB/s320/373_1_HS-5070MH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />When I built the <strong>Murder SHP</strong> two years ago I went with the HS5070MH and they have been off the chain stellar. I beat that plane hard and often, and there was ever going to be a servo that screamed <br />"enough", it was going to be in that plane. Still, they are going strong.<br /><br />&nbsp;Since the Demonstrator is the same weight and size, this servo is idea and about as good of a servo as you can find in this size. The HS5070MH is the same size servo, and in fact even uses the same bolt pattern, but it's a little taller. Hitec kept this in mind when they designed the servo and they did not make it too tall for use in current planes. Basically, you can just swap the out for your HS65MGs and have an instant upgrade.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">To feed these servo 8.0 volts, I rely on the trust <strong><a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/en/cc-bec-010-0004-00" target="_blank">Castle Creations 10 amp BEC</a></strong>. This is such a good little unit that I even use it in planes as big as my 60" EXPs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjXhjjowFMU/WRyYcS9iG4I/AAAAAAAAImU/cyd5ieD-y304dOwPve9nTqgFvMBxiTeGwCEw/s1600/010-0004-00_1-Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjXhjjowFMU/WRyYcS9iG4I/AAAAAAAAImU/cyd5ieD-y304dOwPve9nTqgFvMBxiTeGwCEw/s320/010-0004-00_1-Z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;<strong>Power System</strong></div>By now most readers know what's coming next. Of course, it was going to be a Torque and an Airboss. <br /><br /><em>But of course.</em><br /><br />I started my association with Extreme Flight in 2008 representing the Torque and Airboss brands. That's 9 years of absolutely dead solid perfect reliability, so even if something else was recommended, and Torque and Airboss was still going to go into this plane. In this case it's my favorite of all of them, the venerable,&nbsp;versatile and bulletproof Torque 2814. I have flown this motor on 3, 4 and even 5 cells and it's always had great power, smooth running, perfect reliability and it's very own distinct turbine like sound. On 3s it just sounds like a sewing machine, on 4s it's like a turbine engine with the governor taken off and the throttle jammed open. On 5s it lets out a blood curling howl that's frightening to hear.<br /><br />For those of you who are replacing their older beloved wire geared 48" Edges, or even SHPs, your Omega 130G will bolt right in and work just fine. The Omega 103 will work too, but you might find it to be a&nbsp;little underwhelming.<br /><br />Worth mentioning is that if you buy the Torque/Airboss power system with your kit as a combo, you save about $70. That drops the price to where the motor is essentially almost free, or to the point the entire power system is very competitively priced with "budget" power systems that won't be nearly as good. If you already have a power system, that's good too, but if you need one for this plane, there's no better way to go than the Torque/Airboss power system combo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGPU_pm0EIQ/WGvV6ZTmRlI/AAAAAAAAIIg/Zd9_m8emsX4dNX0PY55nVWjOy-AWS1XCgCLcB/s1600/Power%2BSystem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGPU_pm0EIQ/WGvV6ZTmRlI/AAAAAAAAIIg/Zd9_m8emsX4dNX0PY55nVWjOy-AWS1XCgCLcB/s400/Power%2BSystem.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I wanted to mount the ESC on the bottom of the motorbox, but I could not get the deans plug to come out where I wanted it. I may play around with it later, but for now it was essential to get the article finished and get some video in the can and on the net.<br /><br />As such, I simply mounted it on the side of the motorbox and the deans plug comes into the battery compartment where it is out of the way for battery change out, but perfectly positioned to plug it into the battery.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Aileron Set Up</strong>Sport flyers might think this set up looks wrong because the pushrod is not at a straight angle. The reason we set the pushrod this way is because in 3D we run so much throw that you want the pushrod as straight as you can get it <strong>at maximum throw</strong>. Bolting it to what appears to be the wrong side of the control horn actually gives you perfect geometry at full deflection.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-874m-37hVY4/WGutcuPEfYI/AAAAAAAAIGs/PyeKATXB6AYUX61NLP2lQyRbf9d_fgNlwCLcB/s1600/Aileron%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-874m-37hVY4/WGutcuPEfYI/AAAAAAAAIGs/PyeKATXB6AYUX61NLP2lQyRbf9d_fgNlwCLcB/s400/Aileron%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a major upgrade 3DHS is now supplying double ball link hardware. Ball links give you smoother, drag free operation, as well as eliminating any slop or looseness in the pushrod system. They are also much easier to set up that the old swivel connectors, You just bolt them on and you're done. I love this upgrade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Elevator Set Up</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, it's just a simple dual ball link set up. If you follow the manual, it's really hard, if not impossible to go wrong. The kit comes with hardened allen head bolts and lock nuts, so again it's just a simple bolt together operation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1h2WxrrFCM/WHME7wDwTBI/AAAAAAAAINw/axi_PFBgGHoaj3asy6zTGNdXkMDJ9xqPwCLcB/s1600/20170108_222845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1h2WxrrFCM/WHME7wDwTBI/AAAAAAAAINw/axi_PFBgGHoaj3asy6zTGNdXkMDJ9xqPwCLcB/s400/20170108_222845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the standard arm that comes with the servo and pegged my end points. This gives me slightly less than bevel to bevel deflection, so it's plenty of throw with&nbsp;no danger of the servo binding. Like the rest of my set up, this comes straight out of the manual. The entire plane is extremely well thought out.</div><br />You want your pushrods to be as straight as you can get them, so to achieve this for the elevator. I bolted the ball link to the inside of control horn. The alignment is absolutely perfect, which assures smooth operation and good centering of the control surface.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DoO8J-7cjMw/WGvt3IFZudI/AAAAAAAAIK0/pb97zJyy5ogpOE36NYXPA55aMzE0tpxAQCLcB/s1600/Elevator%2BStraight%2BShot%2BPushrod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DoO8J-7cjMw/WGvt3IFZudI/AAAAAAAAIK0/pb97zJyy5ogpOE36NYXPA55aMzE0tpxAQCLcB/s400/Elevator%2BStraight%2BShot%2BPushrod.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Ruder Set Up</strong><br />I'm going to cheat a little here and point you to the picture above because it also gives you a good view&nbsp;of the pull/pull rudder cables. The slots in the fuselage come precut, so it's a simple matter to tuck the loose covering into the slot with a trim iron.<br /><br />Pull/pull systems are not difficult to set up or maintain. You just need to know a few tricks, and you'll learn those on your own after you do a few of them yourself. The only thing that makes me crazy on pull/pull installations is that's it's not easy to do a clean looking installation. You've got the crimp piece and the wire loop and the extra wire hanging out, and to me I just cringe when I see work like that. <br /><br />I think I've come up with a decent enough looking solution though. First, I slide the crimp piece very close to the threaded adjuster piece, and I pull the slack wire so tight that the loop you would normally see flattens out against the crimp piece. I crimp, run a little thin CA onto the crimp piece, and once the glue sets up I cover the whole thing with some heat shrink tubing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gdZGzcjO_8/WGvvP_y5stI/AAAAAAAAILA/F04NUgq5vD09E0mOD-WuKpjlD1Aimrk4ACLcB/s1600/Cable%2BEnds%2BOutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gdZGzcjO_8/WGvvP_y5stI/AAAAAAAAILA/F04NUgq5vD09E0mOD-WuKpjlD1Aimrk4ACLcB/s400/Cable%2BEnds%2BOutside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It's not perfect, but it looks so much better than having everything exposed that I an reasonably happy with it. I am probably going to always have one of these planes, so I will work on making something even cleaner looking. I have a little bit of OCD on things like this, which always drives me to trying to do things better.<br /><br />Here's what the cables look like hooked to the servo. You use that standard Hitec HS65MG servo&nbsp;arm that comes with the servo. Again, I got the crimp pieces as close as I could to the&nbsp;connector pieces, got the loop wire as tight as I could and heat shrunk the entire thing to make a neater looking package.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onOpMT5gEcs/WGvUHFGUHVI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/CF-O7vFttWIsCmUlMZKTb5dAx0lJ4kbBACEw/s1600/Radio%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onOpMT5gEcs/WGvUHFGUHVI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/CF-O7vFttWIsCmUlMZKTb5dAx0lJ4kbBACEw/s400/Radio%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Radio Installation</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-11424030120135586152017-05-19T15:07:00.001-04:002017-05-21T12:09:59.541-04:00Working With Pull Cable Systems<div class="tw-swapa"><div class="_wYb">&nbsp;</div></div>Еще раз спасибо моим друзьям в России, которые читали блог 1428 раз в этом месяце. Большое спасибо за отличную поддержку и, пожалуйста, расскажите всем своим друзьям. Также, это специальный привет моему другу Терранозавру!<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0k7cUTuFPk/WRu_YvsrETI/AAAAAAAAIl8/jIJAB0a5e7IGRYulsW6awpHakYv78PuSACLcB/s1600/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0k7cUTuFPk/WRu_YvsrETI/AAAAAAAAIl8/jIJAB0a5e7IGRYulsW6awpHakYv78PuSACLcB/s640/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__015.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I've had so much fun with my 48" 3DHS Demonstrator Edge that I wanted to build another one. I've been threatening to write an article on pull cable set up and this gave me an excuse to build another Demonstrator even though my first one is still in terrific shape. Maybe I'm just greedy.<br /><br />For those who have never done a pull system, it can be quite intimidating, but it's really just as easy as using a pushrod, just different. Like anything else, you&nbsp;need to know a few tricks and you learn those by doing them, and hopefully, from reading this article.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Setting Up The Pull System</span></strong></div><strong></strong><br />My first pull system had me scratching my head and cursing a little, but I learned enough from that to make subsequent ones go smoother. It's not that hard and there are no mysteries. After you do a couple you will wonder why you were intimidated to begin with. What I'm going to try to do is show you some of the little tricks I learned the first few times.<br /><br />If there are any hard and fast rules they are that you want a drag free and slop free system. The rudder has to move smoothly with no drag coming from a bad hinge job or ill fitted tailwheel assembly. The swivel connectors on the servo arms also have to have no drag on them, and as little slop as you can manage without getting them so tight they drag. If there is ever any doubt on any part of this, always go for smooth and drag&nbsp;free, slop free&nbsp;operation. This is critical for good rudder centering and makes for a good flying and nice tracking plane.<br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Cleaning Up The Cable Exits</strong><br />The slots for the cable are already laser cut into the fuselage sides, and the covering is slit so the wires can pass through. The first step it to tuck the covering into the slot with a trim iron. Get them out of the way so they don't put any drag on the cables. You can either cut them flush with the edge of the slot or tuck them in, but tucking them in makes for a neater and cleaner looking job. Here you want to use low heat to avoid the iron sticking and pulling the printing off. Take your time, do a neat job. I think you'll agree this looks a lot cleaner than leaving it loose.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXHIyOKH5g/WR41TTf2udI/AAAAAAAAImw/H0kjzpArtqohDH4q4VryplltyxZwjcS0wCLcB/s1600/20170518_131100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXHIyOKH5g/WR41TTf2udI/AAAAAAAAImw/H0kjzpArtqohDH4q4VryplltyxZwjcS0wCLcB/s400/20170518_131100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>The Cable Ends</strong><br />Now, thread the ball link onto the threaded connector piece. You can either hold the threaded connector with a pair of pliers and spin the ball link on by hand, or chuck the connector up in a small drill and spin it into the ball link. If you have arthritis, using the drill will make life a lot easier.<br /><br />The connector&nbsp;will be easier to handle this way because it gives you something to grip.&nbsp;I suggest threading it on all the way, then backing it off five turns or so. This will give you some additional adjustment should you need it later.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veOPpUwFvIc/WRsxHtSPVLI/AAAAAAAAIlA/Zon_8ZTxM7MG0LdNCgy6V39Jhl2OVO1JwCLcB/s1600/20170516_121511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veOPpUwFvIc/WRsxHtSPVLI/AAAAAAAAIlA/Zon_8ZTxM7MG0LdNCgy6V39Jhl2OVO1JwCLcB/s400/20170516_121511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With any operation, the cleanest and most tidy job is going to be the best solution. The least clean part of any cable installation are the cable ends and crimp pieces, and I've done my best to make that neater. Here is how the manual calls for the cable ends to be assembled. This works really well, though it's a bit messy for my taste. We are still going to do it the way the manual calls for, though we are going to tidy it up a bit. </div><br />Follow the manual and you will get what you see below. Again, this works well, but we're going to clean it up a little. I've put a battery on the ball link to hold it down and aid in getting a better photo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvuMjUs02JE/WRstREB0OzI/AAAAAAAAIkw/tMsfCpOrJKgGju4RXcJJ4I6FkKe1YTafwCEw/s1600/20170516_121034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvuMjUs02JE/WRstREB0OzI/AAAAAAAAIkw/tMsfCpOrJKgGju4RXcJJ4I6FkKe1YTafwCEw/s400/20170516_121034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>We are not really going to deviate from the manual here. We are just going to go one step further in making it look better. Again, the cleanest solution is the best one. What I try to do is eliminate the loop in the cable and the extra wire sticking out. First, I pull the wire in the loop&nbsp;tight enough to take the loop out. This goes a long way toward a cleaner appearance.&nbsp;Then I move the crimp piece closer to the threaded end piece to make the whole thing smaller and visually less intrusive.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDF1CTtRBfg/WRsvYPDbTWI/AAAAAAAAIk8/_flkJzaUeTYTVor17MU6RwWZjITXOs1zQCLcB/s1600/20170516_121437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDF1CTtRBfg/WRsvYPDbTWI/AAAAAAAAIk8/_flkJzaUeTYTVor17MU6RwWZjITXOs1zQCLcB/s400/20170516_121437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once you get it all lined up. take a pair of pliers and smash the crimp piece flat. Just to be sure, put a drop of thin CA on the wire and hold the piece so gravity helps it run into the crimp piece. Snip off the loose end of the cable and the whole thing looks a lot better. It's still pretty ugly. but we're not quite done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAeI8arn6LU/WRs5cXXSLHI/AAAAAAAAIlU/TY6QO_HyNxgT4UHzUTJ2eV7LwPCedSDswCEw/s1600/20170516_121506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAeI8arn6LU/WRs5cXXSLHI/AAAAAAAAIlU/TY6QO_HyNxgT4UHzUTJ2eV7LwPCedSDswCEw/s400/20170516_121506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Finally. I use a piece of heat shrink tubing to cover the whole thing up and make a nice presentation. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9E-f0l1ccg/WRszMsswVLI/AAAAAAAAIlM/ACQ0mStMFpgqKnxuYNKxeMe4kiJRNjkkACEw/s1600/20170516_121801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9E-f0l1ccg/WRszMsswVLI/AAAAAAAAIlM/ACQ0mStMFpgqKnxuYNKxeMe4kiJRNjkkACEw/s400/20170516_121801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Setting Up The Servo Arms</strong><br />Now we take care of the other end.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here I am using the standard Hitec double arm that comes with the servo and the 3DHS swivel connectors. These are nice because they afford easy cable tension adjustment.<br /><br />First, drill the outer holes in the servo arm with a 5/64&nbsp; size drill. I use a little hand drill from the Hobbico set, but in a pinch you can get away with hogging&nbsp;it out by spinning #11 Xacto blade in the hole. Drilling can leave behind some flash&nbsp;around the hole, and this can interfere with the swivels moving smoothly.&nbsp;I use an emery board to lightly sand the top and bottom of the arm. Good, smooth operation will help with proper servo centering.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmvTC2Bt6vg/WRuWIoLwgsI/AAAAAAAAIlk/CFhisTd8vhcznZWK4s9b4tOyJOWiKk3bgCLcB/s1600/20170516_195721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmvTC2Bt6vg/WRuWIoLwgsI/AAAAAAAAIlk/CFhisTd8vhcznZWK4s9b4tOyJOWiKk3bgCLcB/s400/20170516_195721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On the newest 3DHS swivel connectors the threads on the end are a little tighter so the nut spins on a little harder. This is a good thing because it makes it harder for it to come loose. Get the nut as tight as you can get it without introducing any drag. Again, you always want smooth, drag free operation on any control system. <br /><br />As you can see, the threaded end is a little long, and you have a few threads sticking out. The reason for this is&nbsp;you want to put&nbsp;to put CA on these threads to lock the nut on. I like to use a T pin to apply some thin CA to the exposed threads, and after that sets up, a dab of medium CA. This assures it's not going to come apart.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80PmQQ9GGZg/WRuWI84OceI/AAAAAAAAIlo/RetesbOPYyIOsQZ166oWZwUipJcdLetFQCEw/s1600/20170516_200232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80PmQQ9GGZg/WRuWI84OceI/AAAAAAAAIlo/RetesbOPYyIOsQZ166oWZwUipJcdLetFQCEw/s400/20170516_200232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />When you put the arm onto the rudder servo, use the sub trim in the transmitter to center it.<br /><br /><strong>Hooking It All Up</strong><br />With the cables attached to the control arm on the rudder and cables run forward into the fuselage, now it's time to hook them to the servo. Here I run the forward threaded end pieces halfway into the swivel connector,&nbsp; and this gives me adjustment both fore and aft, and remember, we have some adjustment in the rear if we need it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhoO3_T075A/WR87_UvKxNI/AAAAAAAAInA/BpaQjY_7OKsALMP0xkP1MFD3v23G-gdPgCEw/s1600/20170519_125850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhoO3_T075A/WR87_UvKxNI/AAAAAAAAInA/BpaQjY_7OKsALMP0xkP1MFD3v23G-gdPgCEw/s400/20170519_125850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now you want&nbsp;the rudder to stay centered so you can get the cable tension close, and for this I usually tape the&nbsp;rudder counter&nbsp;balance to the fin. Since the Demonstrator uses printed covering, I don't want to risk damaging it, so I have the wife or a friend&nbsp;&nbsp;pinch the two together.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I like to install one cable at a time because it's easier that way and you have less chance of mixing the cables up.&nbsp; You want the cables to cross over top of each other inside the fuselage so they line up straighter to the servo. By doing one cable at a time, you simply start with the left cable and attach it to the right side of the servo arm and the right cable to the left arm. I don't know why, but I always start with the left cable.</div><br />&nbsp;Make sure you slide the crimp piece onto the cable first.&nbsp; Starting with the left cable, run it through the right side forward threaded&nbsp;connector piece. Pull the cable tight. You want to be careful that you don't pull so tight that you start breaking things, but you want it tight enough that you won't run out of adjustment later.&nbsp;Usually the cables end up not being as tight as you thought you had them, so get the slack out. If it's either too tight or two loose, we left ourselves some adjustment by centering the forward connector pieces in the swivel, and remember we also left ourseves some emergency adjustment at the rear with the ball links.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp_a79geFes/WR88tgU3sII/AAAAAAAAInE/HsTcc2TS9HQp-F1bFkyBK72juxUncB47gCLcB/s1600/20170519_130407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp_a79geFes/WR88tgU3sII/AAAAAAAAInE/HsTcc2TS9HQp-F1bFkyBK72juxUncB47gCLcB/s400/20170519_130407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;One neat trick here (see above)&nbsp;is to get the cable tight, then bend it backwards at the connector. This will help it stay tight and not slip while you are running the wire back through the crimp piece. You can see I pulled the wire tight and then folded it over the connector.&nbsp;You can pinch the cable down on the connector with one hand&nbsp;and it's not going to come loose. Then you slide the other end into the crimp piece with your free hand (which has slid back out of sight in the photo).<br /><br />Like so............<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhPPjl01CRM/WR891FnG48I/AAAAAAAAInI/bHT9fx8ZbiAgQHqm-vmqe2j1RqKZkFYVACLcB/s1600/20170519_130443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhPPjl01CRM/WR891FnG48I/AAAAAAAAInI/bHT9fx8ZbiAgQHqm-vmqe2j1RqKZkFYVACLcB/s400/20170519_130443.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now you do the loop, which I did not get a picture of, but it's the same as we did on the other end and the same as in the manual. Again, I like to pull the loop tight,&nbsp; but also again,&nbsp;be careful you don't slip and start breaking stuff. If it's all good and still tight, smash the crimp piece down to lock that part of the adjustment in. Apply some thin CA to the crimp like you did on the rear and it's almost done. Put a paper towel in the bottom of the fuselage just in case you spill any CA. From there, snip off any excess wire, remove the threaded end pieces from the swivel and use heat shrink on the end and crimp pieces.<br /><br />Do the other side exactly the same way and you're almost home. Yes, I am well aware the rest of the radio installation looks like a rat's nest, but we'll clean that up later<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgtuySIlSjg/WR8-mMEhJfI/AAAAAAAAInM/H736lyW1tcgccSSC4KJE-Nh204NbZFQRwCLcB/s1600/20170519_131137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgtuySIlSjg/WR8-mMEhJfI/AAAAAAAAInM/H736lyW1tcgccSSC4KJE-Nh204NbZFQRwCLcB/s400/20170519_131137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />You may notice that my connectors did not even need adjusting. I got the centering and tension<br />perfect just by pulling the cables tight. Like I say, they normally come out a little looser than you planned, and keeping the slack out to begin with made it perfect. After you do one or two of these you can expect the same kind of results. None of this is a mystery. You just need to do one or two to get used to it, and then it's easy as pie.<br /><br />Now all&nbsp;&nbsp;the hard stuff is all done now. All that is left is the final adjustment.<br /><br /><strong>Adjustment</strong><br />Odds are pretty good you have it almost perfect. You want the cables tight enough that there is no sag in them, and there is no slop in the rudder. On the other hand, you don't want to get the cables guitar string tight either. That will kill the centering. Just adjust the cables so there is no sag in them, and no tighter. Assuming the rudder and swivel adjusters move smoothly with no drag, the rudder should center perfectly. if not, you probably have it too tight.<br /><br />Slide the forward threaded connectors in or out of the swivel connectors to get the rudder perfectly centered, then tighten them down.&nbsp;&nbsp;Generally, you don't want the cables so loose that you can move the rudder, and you don't want them so tight that the rudder doesn't center properly. The best rule of thumb is to get them tight enough that they don't sag, and no more. If you get them guitar string tight the rudder will center poorly and eventually the servo will burn out. If you get them too loose the rudder can move when the servo doesn't and it will center poorly to boot,&nbsp;which is never good.<br /><br />Another good rule of thumb is that if the rudder centers well, you are pretty close. Finally, as long as the rudder will repeatedly center, leave it alone!&nbsp;&nbsp;If you get it right now, you may have to adjust (usually tightening)&nbsp;the cables once or twice over the lifetime of the aircraft, but outside of that, it's pretty maintenance free. A little patience in getting it right now pays the dividend of you not having to mess with it later.<br /><br />Generally I try to take a little pride in my writing, but this procedure has been challenging to put into written word. I tried to explain this to a friend out of state over the phone and I did a poor job. Later he visited me and brought his new Demonstrator. It was finished except for&nbsp;the pull system, and I showed him how to do it in five minutes. Showing was a heck of a lot easier than explaining, and infinitely easier to understand, and I tried to keep that in mind when I wrote this. I hope you will find this clear and helpful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf_AJbF7iPI/WRu_YjCuZWI/AAAAAAAAIl4/7uZ9ie7Z9uUuOn3fIMGy3Z7Hg-2etzPnACEw/s1600/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf_AJbF7iPI/WRu_YjCuZWI/AAAAAAAAIl4/7uZ9ie7Z9uUuOn3fIMGy3Z7Hg-2etzPnACEw/s400/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-74336128951470309032017-04-02T20:34:00.001-04:002017-04-26T14:31:26.990-04:0052" Slick 580 EXP___Hail To The Zonker!<div class="tw-swapa"><div class="_wYb"><div class="tw-swapa"><div class="_wYb"></div></div><div class="_Ejb"><div id="tw-target"><div class="tw-nfl tw-compact-ta-container" id="tw-target-text-container">Еще раз спасибо нашим друзьям в России, которые в этом месяце опережают американцев, посетив наш блог 566 раз в первые три дня апреля. Спасибо за вашу поддержку и, пожалуйста, расскажите об этом блоге своим <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTe3BHunG7w/WQDnbBeWa6I/AAAAAAAAIkc/dlb8H4NHUxIw469phzhxNakeMn33AnIJwCLcB/s1600/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTe3BHunG7w/WQDnbBeWa6I/AAAAAAAAIkc/dlb8H4NHUxIw469phzhxNakeMn33AnIJwCLcB/s640/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />As much as I enjoyed my red/white/blue Slick 580 EXP, I still wanted a yellow one, simply because I am a little weird for yellow airplanes. Those seem to serve me really well as evidenced by my original Extra SHP, and later, my yellow 64" MXS EXP. That, and yellow is very easy to see.<br /><br />Almost everything I wrote in previous article on this plane is the same, though there are a few little changes worth noting.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">FLYING</span></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQppzhC_l40/WOF9B8F6lAI/AAAAAAAAIjs/1P_92PjylN42xDjXiEjX_7dyezzhVKeUACEw/s1600/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQppzhC_l40/WOF9B8F6lAI/AAAAAAAAIjs/1P_92PjylN42xDjXiEjX_7dyezzhVKeUACEw/s400/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div>One thing that certainly has not changed since my red Slick is how well the plane flies. In fact, with a little familiarity, this one came off the bench a little more cleanly built and set up. She came off the bench requiring one click of up trim, and that was with my trim sensitivity turned all that way down, so that equates more into 1/4 of a click of trim! <br /><br />I got pretty much what I was expecting based off my experience with my red Slick, though now with a little familiarity I am much, much more comfortable and in control of the plane. The red Slick was great from the beginning, but you always have that new plane fear going. Now that I have a second one, all that is left to do is enjoy them safe in the knowledge a crash won't put me out of the Slick game.<br /><br />Again, and maybe even more so with the newest Slick, there is some sort of intangible I can't quite explain. The plane is very similar to an Extra, though it just feels incredible. Like the Extra, it goes and stays where you put it, except the Slick seems to do this with much more authority. This adds to the confidence I already had in the plane and from here it's just going to be a matter of learning the intricacies of the plane's behavior and working on things like snap timing.<br /><br />The Slick's snap behavior is a little different from the Extras in that it seems to be a little more willing. For example, you need some momentum to wind the Extra up into a violent snap or tumble, but the slick is happy throwing the tail over the nose even at medium speeds. The Slick also seems to tumble a little more gracefully, but then again, that's always been a hallmark of the Slick. <br /><br />As far as super high speed full deflection death tumbles, I don't think anything can touch the 48" MXS, but the Slick is still very respectable here and a little better than the Extra. This plane is so nice you probably won't want to abuse it like that anyway.<br /><br />If you do, however, the Slick does a nice blender. I got my timing wrong on one blender and actually dove it at high speed into a full throttle KE spin with all the momentum behind it. For a few seconds it was whipping around so quickly I did not know which direction it was going! I will try to duplicate that on video once one of my Slicks starts to show some age. Right now I like them so much I am just treating them nicely and trying to preserve them a little, though they are certainly built well enough to take whatever you dish out on them.<br /><br />Both the Extra and the Slick do sweet, straight, tight&nbsp;waterfalls, so there is nothing to separate them here.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/211218404" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/211218404">52 Slick EXP__Hail To Thje Zonker</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />Perhaps the original Slick's best attribute is it's harrier manners, and that's been brought forward into the Slick 580 EXP. You can see in the video I drag the Slick around pretty slowly, nose up, and on the deck in 15mph crosswinds, so clearly this was a design priority when the Slick first went into CAD.<br /><br />While the original Slick was a bit draggy and not especially impressive on top speed, the Slick 580 is much different. The new slick is long and sleek, like a high speed pattern plane, and it can chew up the real estate pretty quickly. Speed is stability, so the Slick 580 now has improved precision manners to go along with it's huckability. <br /><br />This plane does superb slow and point rolls, and I am sort of playing around with consecutive rolls using the rudder instead of the elevator. You will see a few in the video and they sort of look like rollers at flying speed. very different.<br /><br />The Slick's KE manners are so good that I have total confidence flying it out of a stall on it's side. last year I had one of my other planes snap out on me like this, but admittedly I was asking for it and flying stupidly. Still, you would think that would be a lesson capable of dissuading me from trying it again, but like I say, the slick feels so good I am not afraid to do anything with it.<br /><br />While my rollers are nothing to brag about, they look pretty ok with the Slick. The wing and stab are closer to the thrust line than they are on the original slicks, and this makes everything roll around the same axis and gives very axial behavior. Only the Yak seems to do this any better, but it's a slim margin. I'm very comfortable rollering this plane, and in fact, was instinctually doing them even before I really understood the plane well enough to try that sort of thing.<br /><br />A plane that feels good can be very encouraging.<br /><br />I know people expect a detailed analysis from me, but it's pretty straight forward with this plane. If the Extra does everything the way a plane is supposed to do it, the Slick does it just as well and some things better. As an Extra man this sort of pains me a little, but I could turn into a Slick man pretty quickly.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong........ the Extra definitely still has it's place. It's just the Slick is rather similar and does some things better. The lines are just blurred a little more as we edge closer to having the plane that does everything perfectly. I need to fly them both a lot more to gain a better understanding of them. I'm not rushing it, though. This is a journey I plan to relish.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">BUILD</span></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnmJATWzkiY/WOF9Cn5_vpI/AAAAAAAAIjs/OTM4PbWgm6YXfaoFaR9zRADWP6hscE_DACEw/s1600/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnmJATWzkiY/WOF9Cn5_vpI/AAAAAAAAIjs/OTM4PbWgm6YXfaoFaR9zRADWP6hscE_DACEw/s400/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div>Nothing was really different from the first Slick except I went in with a very high degree of confidence. The first one came out perfect with a minimum of effort, so why not?<br /><br /><em>Something I feel needs to be illustrated again</em> is just how revolutionary Extreme Flight's self jigging (self aligning) stabilizer installation is. This is normally the most critical part of the build, but the Big X has reduced the hardest part of this to&nbsp;simply not spilling a lot of glue on the plane. if you can avoid that, you are assured of a straight, clean build.<br /><br />Determined to trust the new technology incorporated into the Slick's unique self aligning horizontal stabilizer, I jammed the stab all the way forward, <em>did not measure it</em>, and simply glued it. Now, it makes sense to check it since it only takes a few seconds, but again, I wanted to demonstrate how well the self aligning stab works. After the glue set up it measured absolutely dead on, so now that's <strong>two</strong> of them that came out perfectly with this system. This will give me the confidence to do them all this way and save myself the agony I used to put into tinkering with getting the stab straight.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>I'm going to cheat a little and use photos from </strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2017/03/52-slick-exp-new-classic.html" target="_blank"><strong>52" Slick EXP__ The New Classic</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;to illustrate how simple the stabilizer installation really is.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SvRazjl_OI/WOF7hdquBtI/AAAAAAAAIh8/6juhLwfZDIIVU3vXSyjwrxcWjcIWSjZyACLcB/s1600/Self%2BJigging%2BStabilizer%2B__0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SvRazjl_OI/WOF7hdquBtI/AAAAAAAAIh8/6juhLwfZDIIVU3vXSyjwrxcWjcIWSjZyACLcB/s200/Self%2BJigging%2BStabilizer%2B__0013.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNE9hft1-II/WOF7hVS5ExI/AAAAAAAAIh4/ktzBCwIQ8HA-CoVrXMJdNbx9Hxi3Cc23ACLcB/s1600/Stabilizer%2BSaddle__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNE9hft1-II/WOF7hVS5ExI/AAAAAAAAIh4/ktzBCwIQ8HA-CoVrXMJdNbx9Hxi3Cc23ACLcB/s200/Stabilizer%2BSaddle__001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Z-ymbfdCu4/WOF7VjqBziI/AAAAAAAAIhw/jMswfAyxJf0zBnMeBVv0JRaJEWQ3wjd8wCLcB/s1600/20170310_151341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Z-ymbfdCu4/WOF7VjqBziI/AAAAAAAAIhw/jMswfAyxJf0zBnMeBVv0JRaJEWQ3wjd8wCLcB/s200/20170310_151341.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qazq-dpGclo/WOF7YVEnnFI/AAAAAAAAIh0/m9MWWDRNktYLFgMwCUBw11bgJJ8XTt-vwCLcB/s1600/Fitting%2BThe%2BStab__0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qazq-dpGclo/WOF7YVEnnFI/AAAAAAAAIh0/m9MWWDRNktYLFgMwCUBw11bgJJ8XTt-vwCLcB/s200/Fitting%2BThe%2BStab__0013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I explain the stab installation in detail in 52" Slick EXP__ The New Classic , but the short version is&nbsp;that the front center part of the stabilizer is flat. When you shove the stab all the way forward, that&nbsp;flat part butts up against the alignment formers, and a straight build is virtually assured! From there you simply run a bead of thin CA along the joint, wait for it to set up, then do the other side, wait for&nbsp;it to dry, then flip it over and repeat on the bottom side. It couldn't be any more simple or goof proof..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;For the new guys, this system simply eliminates a critical step that can screw them up. The plane goes together absolutely straight with a minimum of building skill or effort, so from that standpoint alone the Slick makes a good first 3D plane. There are other attributes as well, but this one is really going to help the inexperienced builders crank out a perfectly assembled airframe.<br /><br />The rest of the build went pretty much like the first one, which you can read about in <a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2017/03/52-slick-exp-new-classic.html" target="_blank"><strong>52" Slick EXP__ The New Classic .</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>With the new construction techniques and Xcessories, the builds have never been easier nor more fun than they are right now. It's hard to imagine how it can get any better, though my source deep within Extreme Flight has shared a few things with me, and it is indeed going to get very much better. Each new release will be better build and easier to assemble than the last.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Pilot X!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div>One really nice surprise is how well the small Pilot X fits the new Slick. I had a yellow/blue left over from my sadly departed and beloved 60" Yak, so I thought it was worth a try. The pilot was still mounted on the balsa plate I used in the Yak and it fit perfectly. This tells me that at least the cockpit of the Slick is as wide as a 60" Yak, and that's probably part of why it floats so well and flies so lightly. The fuselage is so large it creates a lot of lift, and that's how the Slick has closed the gap somewhat&nbsp;to the larger planes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9drYGqhskHw/WOF6fsXoRKI/AAAAAAAAIhk/OzjysIIBLjg5gqTm-UrDu7yGuqjztlKlwCLcB/s1600/20170402_134721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9drYGqhskHw/WOF6fsXoRKI/AAAAAAAAIhk/OzjysIIBLjg5gqTm-UrDu7yGuqjztlKlwCLcB/s640/20170402_134721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The small canopy of the slick simply demands a pilot, and this one surprisingly is the perfect size. he doesn't look too big or too small. it was almost like he was made for this plane and I am delighted with the look.<br /><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">SET UP</span></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysgl4C7RDPs/WOF9CU3s_xI/AAAAAAAAIjs/bsAR3lmB5yEFNFjhRmj6WQMVe-1xsAVLwCEw/s1600/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysgl4C7RDPs/WOF9CU3s_xI/AAAAAAAAIjs/bsAR3lmB5yEFNFjhRmj6WQMVe-1xsAVLwCEw/s400/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just a few changes on this plane but nothing earth shattering. The second one of any build usually comes out cleaner and more well prepared because you have a better idea what you want from the plane and how to get it. That was also true on this plane.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Ailerons</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used the Xcessories 1.25 arms on my red Slick, but that was so much throw I had a little trouble being smooth with it. Since my radio only has a high and low rate, there is no mid rate for me to use. I either have high or low, and I set up my high rate so I can fly it for everything but precision work. This time I used the Hitec PN55709 set and maxed my travel adjustment (end points). This gives me about 37 degrees of aileron, which is fine for me. I can fly this smoothly, so this was a good adjustment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BckNTe7FMGc/WOFzPecoXbI/AAAAAAAAIhI/KUt15W1Bn_kS1cOjkUfbKRh60zoI7FnQACLcB/s1600/20170402_141923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BckNTe7FMGc/WOFzPecoXbI/AAAAAAAAIhI/KUt15W1Bn_kS1cOjkUfbKRh60zoI7FnQACLcB/s400/20170402_141923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you have triple rates I suggest you use the Xcessories 1.25 arm with all the throw you can get for high rate, then turning the mid rate back to something a little less instense like say 33-38 degrees or so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Elevator</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I played around with running the full 1.25 Xcessories arm on the&nbsp;elevators of my 52" Extras, but for the Slick I stayed with the G10 arm as specified in the manual. I figured I could always use the long arm and get more throw later, but I was really happy with the plane this way. The pitch authority does not come on with a horrendous bang like it does when running 88 degrees, but is more progressive and easier to modulate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Slick snaps and tumbles just fine with the G10 arm and pitches about as hard as my planes with 88 degrees do. This has me rethinking my previous views on big elevator throws.&nbsp;I may be getting away from the big 88 degree deflection I have used in the past on my 48" planes as I look to fly more smoothly and in control. This seems to be a good start.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ55MZid73Q/WOFzPlk00QI/AAAAAAAAIhM/47vr-uAIVY4ApU_Eiil8Qp9HAh6VwYxggCLcB/s1600/20170402_141940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ55MZid73Q/WOFzPlk00QI/AAAAAAAAIhM/47vr-uAIVY4ApU_Eiil8Qp9HAh6VwYxggCLcB/s400/20170402_141940.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Slick still does really solid wall maneuver's, so monster throws don't seem to be necessary. The Slick's precision manners sort of preclude me wanting to beat it hard and pitch it like crazy, and I am finding better ways to bleed off speed other than big throws. You just have to plan it all out a little better in advance, but that too makes for a smoother presentation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An unexpected benefit from this is that even running the same elevator deflection on low rate as before, now the elevator operates much more smoothly and again, progressively on low rate as well, and the servo also seems to center more precisely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Rudder</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I am cheating by using a photo from my red Slick, but the set up is the same. Extreme Flight was out of Xessories arms when I built my red, so again I used the short&nbsp;&nbsp;Hitec PN55709 arm. With my end points at 140 I am nearly touching the elevator halves with the rudder, so you can't get much more throw than that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld-pW-n6HPM/WOF3VTtroUI/AAAAAAAAIhY/ZSZlYvHhKkcq33htFh8O89xdl3UlN4htgCLcB/s1600/20170310_193341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld-pW-n6HPM/WOF3VTtroUI/AAAAAAAAIhY/ZSZlYvHhKkcq33htFh8O89xdl3UlN4htgCLcB/s400/20170310_193341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">GLAMOR</span></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miSpoTc4BGQ/WOF9Dd-sk7I/AAAAAAAAIjs/tkkLrWN_Wt8H2m-lujSFrzMfsg91REs4ACEw/s1600/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miSpoTc4BGQ/WOF9Dd-sk7I/AAAAAAAAIjs/tkkLrWN_Wt8H2m-lujSFrzMfsg91REs4ACEw/s400/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div><strong></strong><br />Yeah, the Slicks have always been one of&nbsp;the darlings of the 3DXA world, but the EXP treatment with it's long and sleek lines really blinged this plane out. It's simply sexy and swoopy and a fine looking plane. KM's modernized traditional scheme (very well done yet&nbsp;again, Aron)&nbsp;works well with this plane and really accentuates it's unique lines. Maybe the best looking plane I have ever owned next to the 52" Extra EXP, and even then it's a close call between those two.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRIvt2h5KPw/WOFxItl7J0I/AAAAAAAAIgw/9un3gajk0voOK1jNzxWqav4r5Pcw3OfKwCLcB/s1600/20170402_132956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRIvt2h5KPw/WOFxItl7J0I/AAAAAAAAIgw/9un3gajk0voOK1jNzxWqav4r5Pcw3OfKwCLcB/s640/20170402_132956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXQdDV5EtQQ/WOFw2ToLSoI/AAAAAAAAIgQ/sC0hvKTH1FUkh1Zn90WMe1KdK1nUp7WJACLcB/s1600/20170402_132736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXQdDV5EtQQ/WOFw2ToLSoI/AAAAAAAAIgQ/sC0hvKTH1FUkh1Zn90WMe1KdK1nUp7WJACLcB/s200/20170402_132736.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9LzKzzDY-s/WOFxG5Ol2tI/AAAAAAAAIgo/IVX52e7fm0IMLfI9Kra9P0o2AFzDTHMUgCLcB/s1600/20170402_133005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9LzKzzDY-s/WOFxG5Ol2tI/AAAAAAAAIgo/IVX52e7fm0IMLfI9Kra9P0o2AFzDTHMUgCLcB/s200/20170402_133005.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zthbBD8YDI/WOFw6YTniNI/AAAAAAAAIgU/1h2DtdSyYwEZYcn2dDREfBVLvTOtxqEcgCLcB/s1600/20170402_132744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zthbBD8YDI/WOFw6YTniNI/AAAAAAAAIgU/1h2DtdSyYwEZYcn2dDREfBVLvTOtxqEcgCLcB/s200/20170402_132744.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJsGPCj-t54/WOFxDGbloWI/AAAAAAAAIgk/PoWnPHNCXLU87xzMVmoS1RaG39nEZPAjgCLcB/s1600/20170402_132821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJsGPCj-t54/WOFxDGbloWI/AAAAAAAAIgk/PoWnPHNCXLU87xzMVmoS1RaG39nEZPAjgCLcB/s200/20170402_132821.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FI7Ye7wO4dw/WOFw7qVxq1I/AAAAAAAAIgY/Uq3aFkJa8h8uIVRvZnK9116jbM_ybsDFwCLcB/s1600/20170402_132748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FI7Ye7wO4dw/WOFw7qVxq1I/AAAAAAAAIgY/Uq3aFkJa8h8uIVRvZnK9116jbM_ybsDFwCLcB/s640/20170402_132748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_7OP7dQV4o/WOFxAzY-GdI/AAAAAAAAIgg/nyCEjjXpZNwBY0KVy4PvqGZZaL4EbZlzQCLcB/s1600/20170402_132813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_7OP7dQV4o/WOFxAzY-GdI/AAAAAAAAIgg/nyCEjjXpZNwBY0KVy4PvqGZZaL4EbZlzQCLcB/s200/20170402_132813.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7gyJp5syuk/WOFw_jWaU3I/AAAAAAAAIgc/V9LkxVCq4uE8ycrhkB0kHnFj682y5GIDQCLcB/s1600/20170402_132755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7gyJp5syuk/WOFw_jWaU3I/AAAAAAAAIgc/V9LkxVCq4uE8ycrhkB0kHnFj682y5GIDQCLcB/s200/20170402_132755.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;<strong>New Propeller Partner</strong><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.bobshobbycenter.com/index.html" target="_blank">Bob's Hobby Center</a> for providing the <a href="http://www.falconpropellers.com/" target="_blank">Falcon Propellers</a> we used on this project. Bob's Hobby Center is the US Distributor for Falcon Propellers and they have a huge inventory of Xoar propellers as well. Generally I can't tell a Xoar&nbsp;from a Falcon when I am flying them, and they look very similar too. With Bob's I have the choice of either brand, and they usually have every prop I need in stock. Bob's is about 2 hours up the road from me in Orlando. so I usually get my props the next day.<br /><br />Falcon propellers have served me so well that I am going for consistency and switching to them completely.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1iM6npDfWw/WOFU1G9J-hI/AAAAAAAAIgA/_eUFR_fRh1oUWeVSi5H2aC5wzbEj9GQMwCLcB/s1600/20170402_142042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1iM6npDfWw/WOFU1G9J-hI/AAAAAAAAIgA/_eUFR_fRh1oUWeVSi5H2aC5wzbEj9GQMwCLcB/s400/20170402_142042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are probably going to be a few partner shakeups this year, though I hope to remain with Extreme Flight for the rest of my life. We have a lot of new things in the pipeline getting set up for the 2018 Doc Austin Retirement Tour. I'm hoping to hit a few events and keep doing what we've been doing, then settle down into old age with the soul mate and maybe fly RC just for grins. No matter how much I try to retire there are still going to be guys who need help, so you won't be completely rid of me until I really go home for the last time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF9BAp_wP2o/WOF9G-YN-tI/AAAAAAAAIjM/fSIZXlUCYB4EpHrzp-UIZywApf3SrVwdgCLcB/s1600/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF9BAp_wP2o/WOF9G-YN-tI/AAAAAAAAIjM/fSIZXlUCYB4EpHrzp-UIZywApf3SrVwdgCLcB/s640/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>EAT ME!</strong></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1nFResZtPI/WOF9IdlXNNI/AAAAAAAAIjg/vR_qiu3VRdoS6uW_gNodwWHKGovWRGJRQCLcB/s1600/Screaming-Yellow-Zonkers-Eat-Me-Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1nFResZtPI/WOF9IdlXNNI/AAAAAAAAIjg/vR_qiu3VRdoS6uW_gNodwWHKGovWRGJRQCLcB/s640/Screaming-Yellow-Zonkers-Eat-Me-Box.jpg" width="640" /></a>&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-79716869215697471932017-03-12T18:00:00.000-04:002017-06-27T14:48:38.562-04:0052" Slick EXP Flight Report__Simply SuperbЕще раз спасибо моим друзьям в России, которые в очередной раз возглавить иностранный контингент в блоге хитов за этот месяц. Вы, ребята, рок! Yeshche raz spasibo moim druz'yam v Rossii, kotoryye v ocherednoy raz vozglavit' inostrannyy kontingent v bloge khitov za etot mesyats. Vy, rebyata, rok! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUFQZema2Mg/WN7DS13a3aI/AAAAAAAAIfo/iNUPaoR_HVgZYHBZSNXdDw_1d6DeOwvNgCLcB/s1600/52%2BSlick__0006%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUFQZema2Mg/WN7DS13a3aI/AAAAAAAAIfo/iNUPaoR_HVgZYHBZSNXdDw_1d6DeOwvNgCLcB/s640/52%2BSlick__0006%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wind conditions I experienced my first day out with Extreme Flight's&nbsp;<strong><em>superb</em></strong> new 52" Slick 580 EXP did not let up the next day, so we just had to shoot the next day and be a little more careful. I certainly didn't want to re-kit the plane before we had video and have to explain that to "The Boss." This happened once before on a project and he just laughed at me because I was so stressed out about it, but that didn't make me giddy to do that sort of thing again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, that was not as big of a worry as I thought it might be. Back at my home field on a beautiful (but windy)&nbsp;day with all my friends, one lap around the field was all it took for "The Red Mist" to set in and I was right back into my groove, even though my experience with this plane was two tentative warm up flights in bad conditions.&nbsp;My two previous flights the day before revealed there were no surprises, and I knew exactly what to expect from the plane. I had the confidence to fly it hard&nbsp;even in bad conditions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But then again, that gets back to this plane being so .... &nbsp;<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Simply Superb</span>.</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Click To enlarge On All Photos</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsG9KIC9mzM/WMWsjYl376I/AAAAAAAAIc0/sgz3daZo88UyRWXFolscPlO_NIF2zBxQwCLcB/s1600/20170312_130652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsG9KIC9mzM/WMWsjYl376I/AAAAAAAAIc0/sgz3daZo88UyRWXFolscPlO_NIF2zBxQwCLcB/s640/20170312_130652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />That really is the only description that fits this plane, from the moment you open the box, through a seamless, almost effortless build, right through a calm, collected maiden flight in bad conditions&nbsp;with the only surprise being how good the airplane really is.<br /><br />Normally it takes a few flight for me to completely mesh with a plane, but not this one. I knew what I had as soon as I checked the trims, which was zero. It was dead straight right out of the box, perhaps in part because of it's revolutionary self centering stabilizer. You can't get it wrong, and this showed up when I leveled the plane with no trim and it tracked like it was on a rail from one end of the field to the other.<br /><br />That was the first day, but I have to admit I flew it a little feebly&nbsp; because of the conditions and more importantly we had no camera guy on hand. You can't get crazy until you have a video or two stashed away, so accomplishing the mission on day one meant simply to get out alive.<br /><br />Day one, however, was much more than that, though. I fell in love with the plane instantly, ran out the pack and sat down to think about what I wanted to change. Generally each new plane has a list of loathing points that you want to tweak out, be it a CG change, control deflection change or even a mix. This time though it was no trim and no changes., I could not think of anything I wanted to do the plane at all except maybe hit it with another coat of wax.<br /><br />I scratched my head a bit and thought carefully, and this couldn't be right. How can the plane be perfect in every respect right out of the box? How could I mesh with it instantly and know instinctually how it was going to behave, almost as if it were anticipating my next move?<br /><br />If course that would take a very special plane, one that is&nbsp;....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Simply Superb</strong></span><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"></span><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To enlarge On All Photos</span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5_EQFK4WNA/WMWsgDbKIyI/AAAAAAAAIcs/F_FbxB_jYCkOXk5QoI1HhpyqUxJHbLTrgCLcB/s1600/20170312_130704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5_EQFK4WNA/WMWsgDbKIyI/AAAAAAAAIcs/F_FbxB_jYCkOXk5QoI1HhpyqUxJHbLTrgCLcB/s640/20170312_130704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">FLYING</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">This morning the wind had laid down really nice, so I threw everything in the car and called my buddy Ken to meet me at SPARKS for a video shoot. Ken has been shooting video with me since the early 3DHS days and my first SHP, and he has always been a great friend.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, once I got there the air was howling and it didn't look like a good day. Still, we were here for a shoot, and if there was any plane you could trust in these conditions, it would have to be <strong><em><span style="color: blue;">simply superb.</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Since I had not been to SPARKS in a few months, everyone stopped by to visit when I was putting the plane together. It was great to see everyone again, but in the process I plugged the left aileron servo in backwards, and then I forgot to check it! This showed up on take off with one aileron not working and slightly deflected, so I had to fly it in like this in ripping wind. No issue, though because the plane is solid, stable, forgiving and predictable. I instantly knew what I had done wrong, and the plane is so simply superb that I just held opposite aileron and flew it back in. I turned the plug around and finished the flight, and even with everyone wanting to see the Slick fly and watching breathlessly, no one picked up on what I had done wrong! Even in an emergency situation, the plane stayed composed and got me home so smoothly everyone was oblivious to how much trouble I had gotten myself into.<br /><br />Suitably scared witless, I leaned enough to know how hard I could push in the conditions, and then we shot the first video. This was my third ever flight with the plane, and considering the lack of time and poor conditions, I think you can easily see how <strong><span style="color: blue;">simply superb</span></strong> this plane truly is.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/208034224" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/208034224">52 Slick 580 EXP__The New Classic</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />On the next flight I had one dicey moment when a big gust blew the plane overhead in a four point roll. I got into that area of disorientation that's 75 degrees above your head and, well,&nbsp; lost orientation. I gave it the wrong direction&nbsp;rudder on the third point. I nearly got the hill, and a big groan from the gathered throng. After that I pulled my head out and flew a little more sensibly.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYAMp6EPy3c/WMWs-3Jt_KI/AAAAAAAAIdo/U7Rk-ynGpbMXBS9ygE7lO4rAIoB40Dq6gCLcB/s1600/20170312_130739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYAMp6EPy3c/WMWs-3Jt_KI/AAAAAAAAIdo/U7Rk-ynGpbMXBS9ygE7lO4rAIoB40Dq6gCLcB/s640/20170312_130739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nN3cOMrRBVQ/WMWtRtBjayI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/qU4rcyjqQeUetmdzqwtoXyl8uG8uMPBQwCLcB/s1600/20170312_130818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The conditions improved a little for flight two, plus I was into my groove a little more. I was able to push a little harder and find what the plane likes, which is pretty much everything. We wrapped up the day because people were anxious to see the video, and that was it. Another successful mission.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Flying Specifics</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall the Slick is stable and forgiving, but it's also micrometer precise in big sky maneuvers. The power system is perfectly matched to these 52" birds and doing large maneuvers is just easy. When you pull up into a big climb or loop. the plane doesn't lose any speed, so it's not going to fall off or torque over to one side. You don't have to correct the tracking with rudder, which gives the pilot one less thing to do. The less you do with this plane, the more it does for you and the better you look.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tracking in knife edge (KE) maneuvers is most excellent. The plane just locks in and flies straight, so with point and slow rolls you simply get your rudder and elevator inputs timed right and the whole thing looks like it's on a string. The Slick slow rolls <strong><em><span style="color: blue;">simply superbly</span></em></strong>, though in these videos I am giving the ground a little room. We'll get her on the deck first nice day out.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Slick snaps <strong><em><span style="color: blue;">superbly</span></em></strong> and is a little cleaner here than the Extra. The Slick seems to lose a little less "oomph" at the end of the snap, and maybe carries out a little more speed, but either way, it is easier to position your exit where you want it and fly it out where you want it, almost like you planned it that way! Snap timing is not really any different than the Extra, but the Slick seems to be just a little more willing to wrap itself up and throw the tail over the nose. It's just fun to tumble it, and even more fun to fly it out because it stays so firmly in control. You fly it in, wrap it up and it comes out the other side calm and composed, and it makes you look good.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">KE spins are just effortless. Just jam the sticks in position from any sort of entry and after it thrashes about a little it just drops in automatically. If you are more careful and try to carry momentum into the spin from something like an outside snap or pop top, the Slick goes right in with zero fuss, almost like that's what it wanted to do anyway. Previously nothing rivaled the Edge for this, but the Slick makes it really close, if not even a little better.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">While not on the videos, the first day I tried a full rudder and elevator spin with a little power and opposite ailerons. The slick just pivots around it's center, nearly flat and barely losing any altitude. The only other plane I have flow that does this as well is the 60" Laser, so clearly the slick is flying bigger than it really is.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/208051445" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/208051445">52 Slick 580 EXP__The New Classic__002</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today was a poor day to be testing harrier manners but by now I was so confident with the plane I just went for it and the Slick responds very well to this. I could see by&nbsp;putting the Slick into the car that the rudder is taller than the Extra, which keeps it in cleaner air when you are in harrier. This allows you to carry the nose even higher and maintain rudder control, while the Slick does seem to be a little less prone to wing rock than the Extra when you fly it sloppily. If you are precise with either one they fly beautifully, but we aren't always precise and the Slick is probably a better bet for the new guys who want to work on their harrier skills.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not one to brag about my pathetic harrier rolls, but with the slick they seem to be much easier and less threatening, especially on the deck. Maybe I am starting to get my stick stir down a little better, or more likely the Slick doesn't fall out nearly as badly as some other planes, and because of it's generous side area,&nbsp;floats better instead dropping. When you start working your rollers low, that first 1/4 roll to KE is terrifying because the plane is going slow and you just know your going to run out of ailerons and lift at the same time and simply cartwheel the thing to it's death. For whatever reason, after one or two harrier rolls that fear disappeared and I was happy doing rollers at least as low as on my best day. I was using less rudder and elevator, and even a little less power, so on a nice day I am sure I can do these slower and lower. In rollers, the Slick just feels<em> good</em>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another maneuver you won't see me bragging about much is hovers, but I didn't look real bad with the Slick. The rudder has so much authority you have less chance of getting behind and over controlling trying to bring it back. I'm not sure if it locks in better or it is just easier to keep there because of the authority, but also, here the Slick feels <em>good.</em><br /><em></em><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/208928417" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/208928417">52 Slick EXP__The New Classic 3</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div></div><em></em><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CPjRVseltc/WMWtXyAVthI/AAAAAAAAIe4/2BTbmN-dGUwP8N8dZ88U76WXeRT--CPAgCEw/s1600/20170312_130823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CPjRVseltc/WMWtXyAVthI/AAAAAAAAIe4/2BTbmN-dGUwP8N8dZ88U76WXeRT--CPAgCEw/s400/20170312_130823.jpg" width="400" /></a></em></div><em></em><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WKCxoWaG2w/WMWtF1zYVZI/AAAAAAAAIe4/OMXxQ-UH_xk5vz7bNZ5CTM2gdarzGxqUQCEw/s1600/20170312_130802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WKCxoWaG2w/WMWtF1zYVZI/AAAAAAAAIe4/OMXxQ-UH_xk5vz7bNZ5CTM2gdarzGxqUQCEw/s200/20170312_130802.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haV08C_vIHA/WMWtKDeIXmI/AAAAAAAAIe4/O1BmWqPzrUU6zAihyk8lH5CyXDksQKiFwCEw/s1600/20170312_130808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haV08C_vIHA/WMWtKDeIXmI/AAAAAAAAIe4/O1BmWqPzrUU6zAihyk8lH5CyXDksQKiFwCEw/s200/20170312_130808.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In general, More than any plane I have flown yet, the Slick does everything the way it's supposed to do it. It responds to exactly what you are telling it to do. It goes where you point it and it stays where you point it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most overriding thing I can tell you about the slick is something I can't quite quantify. I am just confident in the extreme with this plane. I already know it's character, maybe because it matches my style so much, or maybe because it's just that damm good. Even when I got into trouble, it didn't really frighten me. I just calmly flew it out and only got scared when I had time to think about it later. While I am flying the plane, I tell the plane to go from A to B, and the plane goes from A to B with no fuss. It just flies right. It just flies <strong><span style="color: blue;"><em>superbly</em></span></strong>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's <strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Simply Superb</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately my trunk is only 51.5" wide! Since I want a 74" Slick 580, I'm working on getting a bigger car!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foPLLkok58I/WMWtfkzXEqI/AAAAAAAAIes/u_fPlNsl7-o_HEQk48VQCaG_1mSpSjpdACLcB/s1600/20170312_133759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foPLLkok58I/WMWtfkzXEqI/AAAAAAAAIes/u_fPlNsl7-o_HEQk48VQCaG_1mSpSjpdACLcB/s320/20170312_133759.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgZTO4LZ_VU/WMXEcymYUwI/AAAAAAAAIfU/ugj849fy0R8B5yeqKIe-5-409zuwEpm6wCLcB/s1600/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgZTO4LZ_VU/WMXEcymYUwI/AAAAAAAAIfU/ugj849fy0R8B5yeqKIe-5-409zuwEpm6wCLcB/s640/52%2BEF%2BSlick%2BVideo%2Baerwork__005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoweiVyzdk8/WVKoffEvADI/AAAAAAAAIoE/WTUb7FZ9yuMW6XxFV27-UPpx2JHLKQs6gCLcBGAs/s1600/52%2BSlick%2BRed__Glamor__0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoweiVyzdk8/WVKoffEvADI/AAAAAAAAIoE/WTUb7FZ9yuMW6XxFV27-UPpx2JHLKQs6gCLcBGAs/s400/52%2BSlick%2BRed__Glamor__0083.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-63960442795562095352017-03-10T22:52:00.004-05:002017-05-21T14:47:52.215-04:0052" Slick EXP__ The New Classic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzgvWdJguU/WLX6LF9qxZI/AAAAAAAAITw/BNqZEwVEgHYYP9ELCHHf0dtQKPjnJGL5gCLcB/s1600/EF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0005%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzgvWdJguU/WLX6LF9qxZI/AAAAAAAAITw/BNqZEwVEgHYYP9ELCHHf0dtQKPjnJGL5gCLcB/s640/EF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0005%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was a sad day for everyone when the&nbsp;original 3DHS&nbsp;51" Slick sold out for the last time,&nbsp;the end of an era, really. Thousands of pilots were left without their favorite plane, and while there were plenty of other righteous 3DHS and Extreme Flight planes, for many there's nothing quite like a Slick. There were also Slicks in many different sizes, though the&nbsp;original remained the most convenient and affordable version. Overall the Slick developed an almost cult-like following&nbsp;(in a positive sense, that is), and plenty of other size Slicks remain in the lineup. With all this to consider, the market sorely needed a replacement for the 51". Now we have it in the <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/52-Extra-300-EXP--Blue-Scheme_p_3520.html" target="_blank">Extreme Flight 52" Slick EXP</a></strong>.<br /><br />Probably the worst thing&nbsp;you could ever say about a 51" Slick was that it was really too nice to be considered a disposable four foot class plane. I loved my Slicks, but I could never bring myself to treat them with the same disdain I applied to my other four foot planes. For years the 51" Slick was the 3D standard. It was a benchmark of excellence that has been sorely missed.<br /><br />Now that almost a couple of&nbsp;years have past and the dust of the merger has settled a little, it was time to bring it back, only in a new and improved 52" form.&nbsp;The entire plane has been lightened, strengthened, stiffened, and just all-around made better than the previous Slick, which couldn't have been a easy job. Having been without a 51" Slick for a few years, I was pretty anxious to get started on this one. I saw the first pictures a few months ago and have been champing at the bit ever since. <br /><br /><strong>Color Scheme</strong><br />Again, 3DHS graphics artist KM has penned another winner. I can't say for sure what his thinking is, but to me it looks like he combined his own style of wild design with Extreme Flight's understated elegance and come up with a look that rivals the 52" Extra EXP for cutting edge, though traditional&nbsp;beauty. Both schemes are&nbsp;stunning, and I really can't decide which one I like best. As of this part of the writing, I don't know which one I am getting, and I don't care. Whichever one I don't get I will buy later!&nbsp;The top&nbsp;of the plane is a very sharp&nbsp;contrast to the checkerboard&nbsp;&nbsp;bottom, which aids greatly with orientation. If you can see it better, you can fly it better.<br /><br />Mostly, though, it's just breathtaking to look at.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duZ5QHEDcHA/WMOO4M7rCXI/AAAAAAAAIbs/z7zdzZKEkSobHoSJk6rqUtnNfw4q7RNVACLcB/s1600/20170311_002818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duZ5QHEDcHA/WMOO4M7rCXI/AAAAAAAAIbs/z7zdzZKEkSobHoSJk6rqUtnNfw4q7RNVACLcB/s200/20170311_002818.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLS3oP_agOs/WMOO2RjR2sI/AAAAAAAAIbk/yqge67II2WkvTjv-ZZp8cQ6IWaiwqTDGQCLcB/s1600/20170311_002837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLS3oP_agOs/WMOO2RjR2sI/AAAAAAAAIbk/yqge67II2WkvTjv-ZZp8cQ6IWaiwqTDGQCLcB/s200/20170311_002837.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoPUANP15LY/WMOO3v0Me_I/AAAAAAAAIbo/YsK6gjWZ5jkN8-Ym4gd5Xfk10GI0NceqgCLcB/s1600/20170311_002846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoPUANP15LY/WMOO3v0Me_I/AAAAAAAAIbo/YsK6gjWZ5jkN8-Ym4gd5Xfk10GI0NceqgCLcB/s400/20170311_002846.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Kit</span></strong><br />Those who have not built a 52" Extra EXP are going to be surprised by the level of quality and execution here. Previously the 60" EXPs had been a notch better on build quality, but now the four foot class airframes have been elevated to the same standard. The fit and finish is absolutely spot on and it's nice when everything slides together with a satisfying click. Since you don't have to tweak&nbsp;the parts to get them to fit perfectly, the build becomes less work and more fun.<br />This is what comes in the box:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">ALL PICTURES: CLICK TO ENLARGE</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NA4h_nWGlsA/WMNpzhjllYI/AAAAAAAAIU4/2V-BKgteG_ge08UnUK6UuPrgARaYW_jVACLcB/s1600/What%2BComes%2BIn%2BThe%2BBox__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NA4h_nWGlsA/WMNpzhjllYI/AAAAAAAAIU4/2V-BKgteG_ge08UnUK6UuPrgARaYW_jVACLcB/s400/What%2BComes%2BIn%2BThe%2BBox__001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />While the covering on the 60"s has always been superb, the 52"s are now at that level. The factory has mastered the art of getting the covering down on the wood and tight better than ever, and the corners and seams are better sealed down. While I enjoy every aspect of the build process, not having to go back over the wrinkles and seams is something that helps the whole experience go a lot smoother. Again, since I built three of the 52" Extras, I was not surprised, but it's still not something I take for granted.<br /><br />The big things you notice right away. The wings slide on first time with a satisfying click, the canopy seats perfectly and all the paint lines&nbsp;on the cowling lines up with the lines on the covering. The covering is tight with only a few loose seams around the corners that need a little touch up with the&nbsp;trim iron. <br /><br />There are <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">lots</span></em></strong> of new carbon fiber reinforcements on this plane. It goes from nose to tail in places like the motorbox, full length longerons, cowl mounting tabs, servo, mounts, anti rotation pin holes, and wing tube mountings. I mean, there's a <em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">lot</span> </strong></em>of carbon fiber in this plane.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Carbon Reinforced Cowl Mounting Brakets</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuabjdbcGjo/WMNrCcdhioI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/NhKLZsNbjjICT3Z2wfYHoH2OGgfZnjIaQCLcB/s1600/20170310_201242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuabjdbcGjo/WMNrCcdhioI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/NhKLZsNbjjICT3Z2wfYHoH2OGgfZnjIaQCLcB/s320/20170310_201242.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pre-Cut Air Exhaust</strong></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-br2kXesLCS8/WMNrCL0suWI/AAAAAAAAIVM/lWDVW0gwB58D5fE6diDKBCpfKPkTvWIgwCLcB/s1600/Air%2BExits__0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-br2kXesLCS8/WMNrCL0suWI/AAAAAAAAIVM/lWDVW0gwB58D5fE6diDKBCpfKPkTvWIgwCLcB/s320/Air%2BExits__0010.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="color: red;">Carbon Reinforced Aileron, Elevator&nbsp;And Rudder&nbsp;Servo Mounts</span></strong>&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwPIbITn5vQ/WMN1IRlnfYI/AAAAAAAAIXA/PWfkj0QhDpcrceenaDTwXp8dP3neMnIhwCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BReinforced%2BServo%2BMounts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwPIbITn5vQ/WMN1IRlnfYI/AAAAAAAAIXA/PWfkj0QhDpcrceenaDTwXp8dP3neMnIhwCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BReinforced%2BServo%2BMounts.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C25JmktksS4/WMNzG_OXrqI/AAAAAAAAIWo/YPkOo6iEBDce1_L0-wMmz3asSyUahAEEACLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BReinforced%2B%2BServo%2BMounts000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C25JmktksS4/WMNzG_OXrqI/AAAAAAAAIWo/YPkOo6iEBDce1_L0-wMmz3asSyUahAEEACLcB/s200/Carbon%2BReinforced%2B%2BServo%2BMounts000.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Carbon Stringers and Balsa sheeted Fuselage</strong></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhsFqnsllQ/WMN2MguIE0I/AAAAAAAAIXM/tMkxVR_19689xhyRlqfzbhANf851QsbkQCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BStringers%2Band%2BBalsa%2BSheeting__002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhsFqnsllQ/WMN2MguIE0I/AAAAAAAAIXM/tMkxVR_19689xhyRlqfzbhANf851QsbkQCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BStringers%2Band%2BBalsa%2BSheeting__002.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XQph6A3Gow/WMN2MaeefnI/AAAAAAAAIXI/bLkAnTEXO5Yi8CtYdmyxmhCEhc46rQwtwCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BStringers%2Band%2BBalsa%2BSheeting__003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XQph6A3Gow/WMN2MaeefnI/AAAAAAAAIXI/bLkAnTEXO5Yi8CtYdmyxmhCEhc46rQwtwCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BStringers%2Band%2BBalsa%2BSheeting__003.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU1xSRPmFTw/WMNrH3h-X3I/AAAAAAAAIVc/H2XneN28xb8DBOOXkQduOgO31i0b9gKTQCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BStringers%2Band%2BBalsa%2BSheeting__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU1xSRPmFTw/WMNrH3h-X3I/AAAAAAAAIVc/H2XneN28xb8DBOOXkQduOgO31i0b9gKTQCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BStringers%2Band%2BBalsa%2BSheeting__001.jpg" width="112" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Carbon Reinforced Wing Tube and Anti Rotation Pin mounts</strong></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uv3oBObbVw/WMNrEK-DN6I/AAAAAAAAIVU/Jij2fqfu-wkhMPDXs5XC4CcYkHrOgS0KQCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BReinforcements__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uv3oBObbVw/WMNrEK-DN6I/AAAAAAAAIVU/Jij2fqfu-wkhMPDXs5XC4CcYkHrOgS0KQCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BReinforcements__001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBDQEa5o-Jg/WMNrGnc_TjI/AAAAAAAAIVY/EjiiKRi3XFgbgPGkOQj5N_XB-yN3jZV7QCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BReinforcements__002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBDQEa5o-Jg/WMNrGnc_TjI/AAAAAAAAIVY/EjiiKRi3XFgbgPGkOQj5N_XB-yN3jZV7QCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BReinforcements__002.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBKA8V2IrfU/WMNrIN7VwsI/AAAAAAAAIVg/pbs9cgPCXWQzWwyCPjYzX41DMy9GvXPRgCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BReinforcements__004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBKA8V2IrfU/WMNrIN7VwsI/AAAAAAAAIVg/pbs9cgPCXWQzWwyCPjYzX41DMy9GvXPRgCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BReinforcements__004.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Paying attention to the smallest details pays off big in the finished product. The Slick features new Xcessories titanium colored cowl mounting and wing allen head&nbsp;bolts that match Xcessories servo mounting screws. The titanium color&nbsp;adds to the hi tech look of the whole package<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Xcessories cowl mounting and wing bolts</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2misWGj4vRc/WMNzusFe3EI/AAAAAAAAIWw/qnZFGlWornQdUv1nrsldvnGuL5476P8rwCLcB/s1600/Xcessories%2BCowl%2BScrews__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2misWGj4vRc/WMNzusFe3EI/AAAAAAAAIWw/qnZFGlWornQdUv1nrsldvnGuL5476P8rwCLcB/s200/Xcessories%2BCowl%2BScrews__001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b757TwU1fXY/WMNzulRoSkI/AAAAAAAAIW0/M2xClDSLP0oUcePXsmaJPz4YNRC0fcaFwCLcB/s1600/Xcessories%2BWing%2BBolts__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b757TwU1fXY/WMNzulRoSkI/AAAAAAAAIW0/M2xClDSLP0oUcePXsmaJPz4YNRC0fcaFwCLcB/s200/Xcessories%2BWing%2BBolts__001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Like on the 52" Extra, every hole you need in the covering is pre cut from the servo openings, wing tube hole, anti rotation pin holes and even the holes in the wing tip for the SFG bolts. It's all done which will save you about a half hour of tedious work that's in the way when you really want to just get on with the build. The servo mounting holes are already pre drilled, or maybe more correctly they are already laser cut. The hole for the switch is cut in a convenient location, but the covering was left intact for those who don't want to run one. Usually I like to do all this work myself because I could do a cleaner job myself, but not any more. The factory has raised the bar to the point I am happier with their work freeing me up to worry about things like getting the tail on straight and the hinges right.<br /><br />Speaking of which, brand new for this plane is Extreme Flight's self jigging stabilizer. We will go into this a little deeper later in the article, but for now just know this takes a big chunk of stress out of the build and assures a good, straight assembly. The stab slides in straight and you don't even have to measure it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H41reBS2uGs/WMNqfFxX-nI/AAAAAAAAIVE/_BhI79zk7JUmoijPv8T-qsiF-xYFGU5KACLcB/s1600/Self%2BJigging%2BStabilizer%2B__0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H41reBS2uGs/WMNqfFxX-nI/AAAAAAAAIVE/_BhI79zk7JUmoijPv8T-qsiF-xYFGU5KACLcB/s400/Self%2BJigging%2BStabilizer%2B__0013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Quality like this jumps right out at you, but when you dig deeper you find the thousands of other little things that add up to so much.&nbsp;Having less piddly things to worry about makes the build go much more smoothly. When you look through the whole plane you will discover little things like hooks on the formers to secure servo wires, and even the rear bottom corner&nbsp;of the canopy (where they are most often chipped or broken through mishandling or outright dropping)&nbsp;&nbsp;is reinforced with G10 composite material.<br /><br />Mostly I would have been happy if the Slick was manufactured&nbsp;to the same level of completeness we saw in the 52" Extras, but Extreme Flight has improved on even that.&nbsp;The addition of the self jigging stab is yet another step forward in both improving quality and assuring the plane goes together correctly. Hard to believe any&nbsp;kit could be even more complete with less work than the 52" Extra, but the proof is going to be in the build, which we will get to a little deeper into this article..<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWnjPOzDmYg/WMOHwYDrPnI/AAAAAAAAIa8/bF-2CCyJYFMb3wRjja9n5w0jbz_KO8x3gCEw/s1600/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWnjPOzDmYg/WMOHwYDrPnI/AAAAAAAAIa8/bF-2CCyJYFMb3wRjja9n5w0jbz_KO8x3gCEw/s640/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><strong>Hardware</strong><br />There is always great comfort working with things of familiarity and the hardware package is just that. These are the same quality items we have used for years in the 48" EXP series. They go together right, work perfectly, and none of these pieces has ever given me a problem. I never have to worry about any of these things coming apart when I am pushing the plane hard and on the deck. People ask me if I worry about breaking things on the plane when I fly them so hard, but that's never a worry,<br />simply because I have so much faith in the equipment and especially the hardware. I don't have to worry about important stuff falling off the plane, so I can zone in on flying the plane.<br /><br />The pushrod assemblies are the same steel rod and ball links we have been using to great effect for years on the 48" planes, so one less thing to fret over here. The wheels and axles are the same that have proven themselves on the 48s and also the 52" Extra EXP. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ghHddBQ3Ylw/WAVgaiRcXSI/AAAAAAAAHuo/lTMbYCIW2PgfD2XOtiEV3pin5uDIgi_RgCLcB/s1600/Hardware%2B00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ghHddBQ3Ylw/WAVgaiRcXSI/AAAAAAAAHuo/lTMbYCIW2PgfD2XOtiEV3pin5uDIgi_RgCLcB/s400/Hardware%2B00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of&nbsp;course the hardware pack features the solid and reliable Extreme Flight tailwheel assembly, One previous area that required a little tinkering was the two piece tiller arm, but that's been replaced with a one piece machined and polished arm. I tested a few of the pre-production units and on one I smashed the crap out of the plane so badly that&nbsp;it ripped the entire assembly right out of the plane. The arm was twisted up like a pretzel, but I put it in a vice and hammered it back into shape. It's still on one of my planes somewhere. The only concern during assembly is to grind flat spots where the arm and wheel collars bolt to the tailwheel wire, and to be sure you get the wire centered over the hingeline. If you do those two simple steps the arm will work perfectly and never fail you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqmN1Ok_hVw/WLcst6-AEwI/AAAAAAAAIUI/Tf-bU2z2NZAE9A8r8T7_ulYs2wuQtK8JQCLcB/s1600/Tail%2BWheen%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqmN1Ok_hVw/WLcst6-AEwI/AAAAAAAAIUI/Tf-bU2z2NZAE9A8r8T7_ulYs2wuQtK8JQCLcB/s400/Tail%2BWheen%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The wheel pants are also the same ones that have proven so durable on the 48"s. You might think they would not look right on the slightly larger plane, but they still seem proportioned just right. This is nice for those of us who have a collection of spares from our 48"s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Xcessories</span></strong><br />Part of what made the 52" Extra build experience so satisfying was how well the new lineup of Extreme Flight <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Xessories_c_608.html" target="_blank">Xcessories</a></strong> worked and how well they integrated themselves into the whole package. All of this stuff was <em>made</em> to work together, and as a result it all <em>goes</em> together pretty effortlessly. <br /><br />The <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Socket-Head-Servo-Screws--Qty-100_p_3488.html" target="_blank">Socket Head Servo Screws</a></strong>&nbsp;make servo installation a snap because they fit snugly on an allen driver and you really only need to use one hand because they won't fall off. Their titanium color also looks really good. This is a seemingly insignificant thing, but it's just one small&nbsp;part of many that make a complete, high quality package. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6hnk9vIcxg/WAUJAfHxA_I/AAAAAAAAHt4/5kTHFf2sfiQMxYJTC1VUtKzLYF_qN0zLwCLcB/s1600/20160916_170052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6hnk9vIcxg/WAUJAfHxA_I/AAAAAAAAHt4/5kTHFf2sfiQMxYJTC1VUtKzLYF_qN0zLwCLcB/s400/20160916_170052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;As noted earlier, The Slick came with Xcessories style titanium colored allen bolt for both the wing and cowling. Now everything on the plane matches, and it hi tech titanium color too. When you combine the titanium hardware with all the carbon in this plane, it sure looks like a modern spaceship. It's a very cool look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also like Extreme Flight Xcessories <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Servo-Extensions_c_501.html" target="_blank">Twisted Servo Extensions</a></strong>. These are listed in the &nbsp;appropriate length&nbsp;on the plane's web page and make for a really clean looking and professional installation. I used these on all my 52" Extras and really like them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ9qoWBfqX8/WLXwnkmbT3I/AAAAAAAAITc/h5A5JtMhl5UBD-RE8S44BCgSf-51716sQCLcB/s1600/servo-ext-28awg%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ9qoWBfqX8/WLXwnkmbT3I/AAAAAAAAITc/h5A5JtMhl5UBD-RE8S44BCgSf-51716sQCLcB/s400/servo-ext-28awg%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Finally, Extreme Flight's excellent&nbsp;<a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Aluminum-Servo-Arms_c_613.html" target="_blank"><strong>Xcessories Aluminum Servo Arms</strong></a>&nbsp;are listed on each plane's webpage in the appropriate size. These are anodized in the same beautiful red as the Xpwr motors, and are top of the line quality. Ball links bolt to these with the same 2mm hardware that comes in the kit, so all you need to buy are the arms themselves. They slip on easily, fit perfectly with no slop, and come off with a gentle tug. These arms solve all the problems we used to have with extended servo arms and the quality sets&nbsp;the whole package off very nicely.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkUJVoPB3jI/WAULxMvdy7I/AAAAAAAAHuA/Lu0I9wf2_dUqBNMSFuC_NGPf4O-XObwpwCLcB/s1600/essories%2B1.5mm%2Barm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkUJVoPB3jI/WAULxMvdy7I/AAAAAAAAHuA/Lu0I9wf2_dUqBNMSFuC_NGPf4O-XObwpwCLcB/s400/essories%2B1.5mm%2Barm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />While not part of the Xcessories lineup, it's still worth noting that Extreme Flight now carries&nbsp;the superb<strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Radio-South-CA-Hinge_p_4659.html" target="_blank"><strong>Radio South CA Hinges</strong></a>. I have been using these almost exclusively since the early eighties because they are absolutely the best you can get.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8aHCfGakto/WLrft7o2HDI/AAAAAAAAIUY/ZEV--nvXhZsR7_YGYYbGiUzSbZHCvoetgCEw/s1600/radq2010__86633_1482294555_1280_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8aHCfGakto/WLrft7o2HDI/AAAAAAAAIUY/ZEV--nvXhZsR7_YGYYbGiUzSbZHCvoetgCEw/s320/radq2010__86633_1482294555_1280_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The whole lineup of Xcessories is so nice I plan to use everything that will fit on my planes. One nice side benefit is that with Extreme Flight's near one-stop shopping you can get everything in the same order, and most times it all fits in the kit box so you only pay shipping once. <br /><br />You can also get the proper servos off the plane's order page, so if you already have a transmitter and receiver, you can get everything you need directly from Extreme Flight. About the only thing you can't get from Extreme Flight is your radio equipment, but I would not put it past them to be working on solving that.<br /><br /><strong>Kit: Final Notes</strong><br /><em><span style="color: red;"><strong>In general, when you combine this level quality of kit and Xcessories, the entire build process goes so smoothly it's almost over before you are were ready for it to be. Part of this is offset by the kits being so damm nice to work with, and with this plane and my Extras,&nbsp;when finished&nbsp;I was a little disappointed there wasn't more to it. </strong></span></em><em><span style="color: red;"><strong>Since I enjoy building so much, I get around this by simply building more planes, but for those who want to get it over with and go flying, you will really enjoy these planes.</strong></span></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Power System</span></strong><br />The new <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Xpwr-T3910-Motor_p_2442.html" target="_blank">Xpwr 3910</a>&nbsp;</strong>motor signals a new dawn for the four foot&nbsp;aerobatic 3DXA class airframes. We first saw this motor in the new 52" Extra EXP, and it's been so good that Extreme Fight is building an entire new generation of airplanes around it.&nbsp; The motor runs cool, even in the Florida summer heat,&nbsp;and has blistering grunt and speed. Acceleration is so intense and instant that you kind of have to readjust your flying style to make best use of it, Along with lift, power is your best friend, and it's so readily on tap with this motor that the plane simply<em> responds</em>. As with any kind of power, you have to wield it responsibly. We're not playing with toys any more.<br /><br />It's still a bit early and we have only had two 3DXA airframes designed around this power system.<br />One flight on the 52" Extra EXP told me the revolution was well underway and we can expect Extreme Flight to provide us with many exciting new airframes in this size class. The Extra and Slick are just the beginning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6MomSX9BlY/WAUFo6a0gJI/AAAAAAAAHto/X4vsPSVA7vQqpnB2PvfSXRMxL2BpesySQCLcB/s1600/Xpwr%2B3910%2B00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6MomSX9BlY/WAUFo6a0gJI/AAAAAAAAHto/X4vsPSVA7vQqpnB2PvfSXRMxL2BpesySQCLcB/s400/Xpwr%2B3910%2B00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Propeller Choices</strong><br />My own personal numbers on the motor is that it pulls 1068 watts at 73 amps with a Xoar or Falcon 14/8 prop, which is crazy power for this size and weight plane.&nbsp;I prefer the additional thrust of a 15/6 because&nbsp;it pulls a little less amperage, and with it's larger diameter blows more air over the control surfaces to provide better post stall control. I have not actually done an amp draw test on it yet, but I definitely get cooler motor and battery temps, plus some more run time. It taxes the whole system a little less, which is never a bad thing. <br /><br />In the air the difference between the 14" and 15" props is as follows: The 14/7 or 14/8 provide blistering, almost unusable top end speed. People asked for stupid power on these 52" planes and they are not going to be disappointed. Flying off of smaller fields with tighter airspace restrictions, a slightly slower plane works better for me, which is where the 15/6 or 15/7 comes into their own. You give up a little speed that you don't really need and get big diameter vectored thrust, which means a bigger cone of air blowing over the control surfaces and better control in post stall 3D flight.<br /><br />To shorten this up a little, if you want blistering speed, go with the 14", but if you want better 3D, the bigger prop wins. The plane is great either way and propeller selection is going to be a personal choice depending on how you want to fly the plane.<br /><br />I have not tried any propellers in this size than Falcon and Xoar simply because we have seen non-<br />wood propellers larger than 13" simply come apart. You spend a little more money with wood, and they don't take a ground strike as well, but I think the peace of mind is worth it. Wood propellers also seem to run more smoothly and sound better.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hf60XEp_ts/WMN5Mjt8WjI/AAAAAAAAIYE/wp6pRDQBKUE2vDk89s-jTPaO-VMILIizACLcB/s1600/Xpwr%2B3910__001%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hf60XEp_ts/WMN5Mjt8WjI/AAAAAAAAIYE/wp6pRDQBKUE2vDk89s-jTPaO-VMILIizACLcB/s400/Xpwr%2B3910__001%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Speed Controller</strong><br />Coupled with Extreme Flight's venerable, but dead solid reliable <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Extreme-Flight-RC-Airboss-80A-Elite-ESC_p_1707.html" target="_blank">Airboss 80 ESC</a></strong>, you get blood curling primal horsepower and the kind of surreal reliability we have come to expect and demand from Extreme Flight power systems.<br /><br />On the speed controller front, the airboss 80 ESC has worked so well in my 52" Extras there was never a thought of using anything else. With this being a completely integrated package, the motor and ESC work together perfectly.&nbsp;Even on fully charged 70C packs there was never a hint of squeal or hesitation, and throttle response is smooth and linear. This is what I expected from the Airboss ESC and what I've become accustomed to with Torque motors. Xpwr certainly got everything absolutely right on this package. <br /><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here I have the Airboss mounted on the bottom of the motorbox where it sits right in the cooling air&nbsp;flow from the Slick's&nbsp;chin mounted snorkel.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LIjbheygUc/WMN6eSsyE0I/AAAAAAAAIYg/q7ky53EdI6QnxzK8OKlA4CEoRUyWfFsowCLcB/s1600/ESC%2BMountiung001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LIjbheygUc/WMN6eSsyE0I/AAAAAAAAIYg/q7ky53EdI6QnxzK8OKlA4CEoRUyWfFsowCLcB/s400/ESC%2BMountiung001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I run a separate BEC, I&nbsp; do not like to use the switch. The power from the radio will be coming from the separate BEC, so the switch doesn't work anyway. If anything, it gives you a false sense of security when you plug the battery in. I cut the switch off, shorten the wires, solder them together and use heat shrink over the joint. Then I stuff it under the clear covering on ESC. This gets the switch wires out of the way, but if I ever need to go back to using Airboss' on board BEC, I can just solder the switch back on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O7lSAQ8cJQ/WMN62ZjSqPI/AAAAAAAAIYk/kXKTc8uJwbEkz3tEX7l_qsGkNquhB_3KACLcB/s1600/Airboss%2B80%2BESC%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O7lSAQ8cJQ/WMN62ZjSqPI/AAAAAAAAIYk/kXKTc8uJwbEkz3tEX7l_qsGkNquhB_3KACLcB/s400/Airboss%2B80%2BESC%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Power Systems Savings</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we are all trying to save a few dollars, it's worth noting that you save about $45 when you order the Xpwr/Airboss power system with the kit. You'll find that on <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/52-Extra-300-EXP--Blue-Scheme_p_3520.html" target="_blank">the plane's order page</a> under "Choose Options." Here you can also order the servos,&nbsp;spinner, and&nbsp;right length servo arms and extensions. The only thing you will need to leave the page to order will be for the servo mounting screws, so it's hard to be more convenient than that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Servos</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlbBMhmKG6c/WMFTwfclbmI/AAAAAAAAIUo/cJxozH-5HUE6Om8QOxhGeYzWKe4UvKe4wCLcB/s1600/Hitec%2B52%2BSlick__001%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlbBMhmKG6c/WMFTwfclbmI/AAAAAAAAIUo/cJxozH-5HUE6Om8QOxhGeYzWKe4UvKe4wCLcB/s640/Hitec%2B52%2BSlick__001%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;The Extra and Slick are&nbsp;enlarged just enough to be able to take advantage of the power and torque provided&nbsp;by the slightly larger and more powerful <a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5087mh-hv-premium-digital-metal-gear-micro-servo-/product" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #336699;">Hitec HS5087MH</span></strong></a>&nbsp; servo. I have&nbsp;used the HS5087MH&nbsp;to great effect for years on the elevators of my 48" EXPs and they are smooth, powerful and center very well. Because they have performed so well over such an extended period of time, I have <em>zero</em> concerns about their reliability, and I already know about their performance.<br /><br />This set up will be perfect for&nbsp;the&nbsp;most extreme <em>abuse-the-equipment style of pilots, </em>but there are other benefits that will work to the advantage of regular every day sport 3DXA pilots.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwGPLqJ4Q0/WAQkH5aFa9I/AAAAAAAAHs8/gxy4Y5aDhUMgkIJp1qDM6Fs90omU4PGkACLcB/s1600/153_1_HS-5087MH_HV_Premium_Digital_Metal_Gear_Micro_Servo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwGPLqJ4Q0/WAQkH5aFa9I/AAAAAAAAHs8/gxy4Y5aDhUMgkIJp1qDM6Fs90omU4PGkACLcB/s320/153_1_HS-5087MH_HV_Premium_Digital_Metal_Gear_Micro_Servo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Specifications</span></strong></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Motor Type:</td><td>3 Pole Ferrite</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Bearing Type:</td><td>Top Ball Bearing Support</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Speed (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>0.17 / 0.13 second</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Torque oz./in. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>50 / 60 oz-in</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Torque kg./cm. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>3.6 / 4.3 kg-cm</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Size in Inches:</td><td>1.14 x 0.51 x 1.18 in</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Size in Millimeters:</td><td>29 x 13 x 30 mm</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Weight oz.:</td><td>0.77 oz.</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Weight g.:</td><td>21.9 g.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>For the slightly insane over-the-edge type of pilots who love to do repeated full throttle blenders,&nbsp;full throttle&nbsp;walls and parachutes, and&nbsp;tear-your-guts-out type of tumbling maneuvers, the&nbsp;high voltage&nbsp;performance of this set up is ideal because of their enhanced speed, torque and laser like centering. <br /><br />The laser like centering will also come in extremely handy for precision or IMAC style of flying because a perfectly trimmed plane is always going to be more precise. This will also really help the regular every day sport 3DXA pilot because&nbsp;a servo that locks in and holds it's trim and centering&nbsp; will make the plane go and stay where you put it. This reduces the workload on the pilot and makes him look good. We can all use a little more&nbsp;of that. <br /><br />Thanks again to my friends at <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Servo-Extensions_c_501.html" target="_blank">Hitec RCD</a></strong>&nbsp;for their&nbsp;support and helping&nbsp;make this project possible.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Separate BEC</strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You will need to supply 7.4 to 8.2 volts to these servos, and for this I&nbsp;trust the <strong><a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/en/cc-bec-010-0004-00" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;">Castle 10 Amp BEC</span></a></strong>, which is fully adjustable using the&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/products/castle_link.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;">Castle Link Programmer</span></a>.</strong>&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkJIF3-smRs/WAPx1N7wtRI/AAAAAAAAHss/0KfgpAr4-A8jqUfBGIdhAnJ0Ks8lJ_p1gCLcB/s1600/010-0004-00_1-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkJIF3-smRs/WAPx1N7wtRI/AAAAAAAAHss/0KfgpAr4-A8jqUfBGIdhAnJ0Ks8lJ_p1gCLcB/s320/010-0004-00_1-B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Build</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the Slick build is almost identical to the 52" Extra, so if there is something you are looking for that isn't covered here, check <a href="http://52%22%20extra%20exp__synergistic%20integration/" target="_blank"><strong>52" Extra EXP__Synergistic Integration.</strong></a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhzgsj7Fiqg/WLX6LuU52QI/AAAAAAAAIT4/GNQF6imX_9gpMgK0EfOROHcOS7WATu-zgCEw/s1600/EF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0005%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhzgsj7Fiqg/WLX6LuU52QI/AAAAAAAAIT4/GNQF6imX_9gpMgK0EfOROHcOS7WATu-zgCEw/s640/EF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0005%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />New and much appreciated for this build is Extreme Flight's self jigging horizontal stabilizer assembly. As you can see, the leading edge is notched out, so you simply insert the stab from the rear, jam it all the way forward and glue it! This eliminates a lot of potential to get the assembly wrong. <br /><br />Here's&nbsp; how the self jigging stab works: The leading edge is notched back at the center. As you can see, the LE of the notch is straight.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A04759FelJE/WMN-rRbSNxI/AAAAAAAAIZs/ZPyWHz09LRwjm44wfle7IljN6sF4GTrGwCLcB/s1600/20170310_151341%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A04759FelJE/WMN-rRbSNxI/AAAAAAAAIZs/ZPyWHz09LRwjm44wfle7IljN6sF4GTrGwCLcB/s400/20170310_151341%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you jam the stab forward it seats against the front of the wing saddle. which aligns it with the wing. This is simply ingenious engineering.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GX2vQuDiXM/WMN73yQGUII/AAAAAAAAIZI/xhG2OL17mpAfshXOf20QXrMKFNP9TP1xACLcB/s1600/Stabilizer%2BSaddle__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GX2vQuDiXM/WMN73yQGUII/AAAAAAAAIZI/xhG2OL17mpAfshXOf20QXrMKFNP9TP1xACLcB/s200/Stabilizer%2BSaddle__001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-195tHufDf9A/WMN71Btt0VI/AAAAAAAAIZA/QSOkhjknbHEpABLz6ndzzq8C85GyrmBEACLcB/s1600/Fitting%2BThe%2BStab__0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-195tHufDf9A/WMN71Btt0VI/AAAAAAAAIZA/QSOkhjknbHEpABLz6ndzzq8C85GyrmBEACLcB/s200/Fitting%2BThe%2BStab__0013.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9JY43xM6AA/WMOBpHGoJcI/AAAAAAAAIaA/7dExEfLNG7EtfWxg2jXPIKyznXSsMc5LQCLcB/s1600/20170310_151341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9JY43xM6AA/WMOBpHGoJcI/AAAAAAAAIaA/7dExEfLNG7EtfWxg2jXPIKyznXSsMc5LQCLcB/s400/20170310_151341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />With this being a new feature I wanted to check the measurement myself, and it was dead on. I checked it a several times and took the stab out, reinstalled and checked it again. I did this about three or four times, and as long as I jammed the stab all the way forward it came out straight every time. This tells me I probably don't even need to measure the next one I build.<br /><br />&nbsp;From there it's a matter of running a bead of thin CA on the joint, giving it a few minutes to set up, then flipping it over and doing the bottom side.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Essentially, Extreme Fight has taken the hardest part of building a world class&nbsp;3DXA machine and made it as simple and easy as making sure you get the stab shoved&nbsp;all the way forward.</span></strong><br /><br />Stabilizer installation&nbsp;was always the part I hated doing because the were so many opportunities to get it wrong. I've said many times that any time&nbsp;you mess up almost anything,&nbsp;you can disassemble it and try again, but not the stab and hinging. If you get the tail on crooked you have to live with it, but now the chance of that has been greatly reduced. This finally takes all of the stress out of the build because you can hardly get any of the rest wrong. The only other part I worry about is the hinging, but I have outlined my technique here:&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2016/03/miscellaneous-build-and-set-up-tricks_4.html" target="_blank">(scroll down to "hinging").</a></strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Once you get the tail in and everything hinged, the rest of the build is simple assembly and as I have said, if you get it wrong you just take it apart and do it again. This is why I like to do the tail and hinging first, when I am fresh and less likely to make a big mistake on the only crucial part of the process.&nbsp;With the stressful parts out of the way, I just slow way down and enjoy myself. Now this part of the build is no longer stressful because you just about can't get it wrong. I can't wait to tackle another one because, with the new construction techniques, it's going to be&nbsp;nothing but fun.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Set Up</span></strong>&nbsp;</div>No surprises here because you don't change something that works so well. As always, the best bet is to set the mechanics up like the photos in the manual say, and to adjust your radio to match the throws and expos as spelled out in the manual. Of course, you will probably want to tweak it to your own personal preference, but at least for the first few flights use what's in the manual because Extreme flight put a lot of time and effort into getting this part right.<br /><br /><strong>Ailerons</strong><br />Once again, you got love the Xcessories arm. It just bolts on. Here,&nbsp;note which side of the control horn the ball link is mounted on. This will look wrong to sport pilots who are used to making the pushrod as straight as possible when centered. In 3DXA we use so much deflection that it's better the pushrod is straightest when fully deflected.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFmpec_ZeXc/WMOEMY5CdXI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/ApQfc1cTrzMxqGSSkTGr1Cz1lajCeAQpACLcB/s1600/Aileron%2BSet%2BUp__002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFmpec_ZeXc/WMOEMY5CdXI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/ApQfc1cTrzMxqGSSkTGr1Cz1lajCeAQpACLcB/s400/Aileron%2BSet%2BUp__002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Elevator</strong><br />Extreme Flight specifies the use of the supplied G10 composite servo arm extension. Here I did something a little different and used the anodized aluminum arm that comes with the Hitec 7245HM servo. It's the same spline as the HS5087MH we are using in this plane. By itself it's a nice arm that fits beautifully, but by itself it is also useless for 3D flying because it is too short. However, it makes a beautiful place to mount the G10 composite arm. It fits the spline tight and since it is metal it probably won't get any looser, which assured a nice, tight, slop free connection. <br /><br />I'm getting about 70 degrees of throw, which should be enough. I can always switch to&nbsp;the Xcessories 1.5 arm if I want to peg the control to 90 degrees.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XctqolEcLEk/WMOEXTn6ilI/AAAAAAAAIak/62x0aab_HqkcV0L28nz077tWzY4fZUxMQCEw/s1600/Elevator%2BSet%2BUp__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XctqolEcLEk/WMOEXTn6ilI/AAAAAAAAIak/62x0aab_HqkcV0L28nz077tWzY4fZUxMQCEw/s400/Elevator%2BSet%2BUp__001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><strong>Rudder</strong><br />For now I am using the short single arm that comes in the PN55709&nbsp; pack, and it works quite well.&nbsp;&nbsp;I may later switch to an Xcessories arm, but I ran out of them for this project.&nbsp;I'm still tinkering with it. it's actually almost perfect the way it is and I hate to change things that are working.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7EMKikN3Dk/WMOGOvqaOQI/AAAAAAAAIas/KbHEvM-BTJchcrB3JPYnMen6-ZeeCu-YACLcB/s1600/20170310_193341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7EMKikN3Dk/WMOGOvqaOQI/AAAAAAAAIas/KbHEvM-BTJchcrB3JPYnMen6-ZeeCu-YACLcB/s400/20170310_193341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;Again, the arm may look like it is not parallel, but that's not how you want to set a 3D plane up. Since we run so much throw the arm is actually straight at full deflection. This set up gives you the best mechanical advantage.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Radio Installation</strong><br />This is much the same as the 52" Extra. The receiver mounts on the cross brace behind the wing tube and the only tricky part is the&nbsp;antenna installation for Futaba users. I use clear plastic tubes, glue them where I want them, and insert the antenna when they are dry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nn9q0Qd2ez0/WMOOK3iUHSI/AAAAAAAAIbY/1GUoP9lOeDEKVE3t5fuHml4FzLF0lD_DwCLcB/s1600/20170311_002924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nn9q0Qd2ez0/WMOOK3iUHSI/AAAAAAAAIbY/1GUoP9lOeDEKVE3t5fuHml4FzLF0lD_DwCLcB/s200/20170311_002924.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQEinx5roTY/WMOONZCfUtI/AAAAAAAAIbc/bUuh969uNlIX0EyM7EXanIJ_oZjkF5tZwCLcB/s1600/20170311_002936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQEinx5roTY/WMOONZCfUtI/AAAAAAAAIbc/bUuh969uNlIX0EyM7EXanIJ_oZjkF5tZwCLcB/s200/20170311_002936.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Especially useful are the hooks cut into the formers for securing the servo wires. This not only keeps them from slopping around inside the plane and potentially pulling out of the receiver, but it makes for a much cleaner looking installation.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">NAIL</span></strong></div>Wow, Was this ever a nice project. I was pretty amazed with the 52" Extras and didn't think you could make a plane much nicer, but Extreme Flight has done it again. They have made a better airplane. The build was a joy and I already know it's going to fly incredibly well. Now we just need to get out there and do it.<br /><br />I will get better glamor photos at the field and will publish those with the video flight report, which will hopefully be tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7v6N3ADE6wY/WMOHxP0taWI/AAAAAAAAIbA/skiuEMQTGiMqP1O6ya0QaqdzUuZdHGurwCLcB/s1600/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7v6N3ADE6wY/WMOHxP0taWI/AAAAAAAAIbA/skiuEMQTGiMqP1O6ya0QaqdzUuZdHGurwCLcB/s200/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0006.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZUZwzW-SVw/WMOHwHzKUmI/AAAAAAAAIa4/M9-AWQmN4TA9TwNpqi-gzgNlrFbexoiqACLcB/s1600/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZUZwzW-SVw/WMOHwHzKUmI/AAAAAAAAIa4/M9-AWQmN4TA9TwNpqi-gzgNlrFbexoiqACLcB/s200/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0009.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioH_jE4X-1w/WMOHyaTDCwI/AAAAAAAAIbE/YPV5MxVqr2cwDYrMDdzRvfpyIih7pqoGgCLcB/s1600/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioH_jE4X-1w/WMOHyaTDCwI/AAAAAAAAIbE/YPV5MxVqr2cwDYrMDdzRvfpyIih7pqoGgCLcB/s400/52%2BSlick%2BFlamor__0018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Flying</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Keep an eye on the blog in the next few days for a flight report. I have found that the first day is not very good for making a video representative of how well any plane flies. It's better to take the first day to dial the plane in and learn it's subtleties,&nbsp;then sleep on it, come out the next day, and deliver it a beatdown worthy of capturing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxAoLeU0ohU/WLX6K4uJKSI/AAAAAAAAITs/0LZs912nSf4sjVE2D-C3DD-UZPEHUjJFgCEw/s1600/EF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0005%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxAoLeU0ohU/WLX6K4uJKSI/AAAAAAAAITs/0LZs912nSf4sjVE2D-C3DD-UZPEHUjJFgCEw/s640/EF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0005%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-21351185841389364172017-01-13T10:22:00.000-05:002017-02-11T20:13:02.459-05:00Extra SHP___Something For Everyone<strong><span style="color: red;"><em>Thanks so much to our friends in Russia who read&nbsp;the blog 837 times in just the first 12 days of the month. Thanks you so much for your support.</em></span></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9lW166RXgc/WIAYzQLQ5eI/AAAAAAAAIQI/G-Og1_aJjLI4PiG8eP8phSWO7dkTPpNRACLcB/s1600/Hitec%2BExtra%2BSHP__004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9lW166RXgc/WIAYzQLQ5eI/AAAAAAAAIQI/G-Og1_aJjLI4PiG8eP8phSWO7dkTPpNRACLcB/s640/Hitec%2BExtra%2BSHP__004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's rare than an airframe can take you from easy sport flying, though precision conventional aerobatics and right into hardcore in-your-face Extreme Aerobatics, but the 3DHS Extra SHP is certainly capable of that, and maybe even some more. It's lightweight and easy flying nature makes it the perfect choice as a first wood sport plane and a first 3D plane for moderately experienced sport pilots. From there you can progress&nbsp;as far as your imagination allows, because I don't think&nbsp;anyone can ever really outgrow this plane.<br /><br />The SHP has many strengths including it's crazy stable and forgiving nature. It's also really agile too so it's the perfect plane for just about everyone. Certainly you will want other planes, but I think any serious (or even not-so-serious) aerobatic pilot&nbsp;&nbsp;needs to keep an SHP in his stable, simply because it does so many things so well.<br /><br />As always, nothing is more important than the flying, so let's start there.&nbsp;I hope you can see how the SHP is capable of ease, grace, precision,&nbsp;&nbsp;and violence all in the same flight. The plane has a remarkable performance envelope. More videos will follow the build and set up information.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/199081688" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/199081688">Extra SHP__Old Faithful</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Pragmatic Observations</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Affordable</span> </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">A good plane also has to make good financial&nbsp;sense, and the SHP is really well rounded here. First, it's affordable. If you buy your SHP with the Torque/Airboss power system combo, you save $75 right off the top, and you can put an SHP together <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/47-Extra-300-SHP--Red_p_629.html" target="_blank">for around $402</a>, less receiver and propeller. This price includes the industry standard, solid and reliable&nbsp;<a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/analog-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-65mg-mighty-metal-gear-feather-servo/product" target="_blank">Hitec HS65MG servos</a>. For an airplane that can take you as far as an SHP will, that's a <strong><em>solid</em></strong> value.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you choose the 3s route, the SHP flies really well on cheap 3s 2250-2700 batteries. Personally I like to keep my SHP light so I run a 3s 2250 pack and get a good 5 minutes of hard run time. Less aggressive pilots will get more time from the same pack. The SHP is still light enough that it will do cracking 3D with a 2700 pack, so if you like long flights, go that way. It's still an inexpensive pack.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most people stepping into 3D have 3s 2200-2700 packs from their Apprentice, T28 or Visionaires. For them, the SHP is perfect because they won't have to buy batteries.<br /><br />You can also fly the SHP on 4s and it's simply badass. The SHP is so light that with that kind of power it tracks really well, climbs like a banshee and performs well enough to satisfy even the most experienced pilots.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Easy To Assemble</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">The SHP also&nbsp;builds really easy so the new guys will have very little trouble assembling and setting one up. The old hands would rather spend more time flying than building, so this is a plus for them too. Also, no matter who you are, it's never fun to put together something that is poorly made and ill fitting, but with 3DHS quality, that's never an issue. I've built a lot of SHPs and all went together really well.<br /><br />The new SHPs come with all ball link hardware, and that takes a lot of work out of getting the setup right. Like with most planes, the hardest part is getting the horizontal stabilizer on straight, and the hinges in properly, but I have outlined <strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2016/03/miscellaneous-build-and-set-up-tricks_4.html" target="_blank">my&nbsp;build&nbsp;secrets here</a></strong>. Another most excellent resource is <strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/user770852" target="_blank">IPSmotors' YouTube channel</a></strong>, which features build videos on this plane.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can build an SHP in about 6 hours, but then again, I am slow and methodical, take my time and enjoy the build. I believe the record is something like 55 minutes, but if I tried that everything would be falling off the plane! Mostly it is not important how fast a plane can be assembled. The most important thing is that it is easy to put together straight and set up properly so that it flies right.<br /><strong>That's</strong> what counts.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have flown and helped set&nbsp;up&nbsp;a lot of different SHPs, and even the ones that were initially set up really badly still flew respectably. You can get something a little bit off here or there and it's not going to destroy the way the plane flies. Certainly a dead straight perfectly assembled one is going to fly best, but the worst assembled SHP I ever flew was still pretty good.<br /><br /><strong>Easy Transportation And Storage</strong><br />Here's where the 45-48" class planes really shine. I can put my SHP either in the back seat or the trunk fully assembled. I have a 2000 Nissan Altima, and that was back when those were small cars. If you have a larger car or even an SUV, just toss the thing in there and go fly!<br /><br />When I get to the field&nbsp;I don't have to do anything except check the battery voltage, plug it in, and go fly. When you are headed out trying to cram in a few flights at the end of the day, or even before work,&nbsp;not having to assemble the plane is a big plus. <br /><br />Back at home, I can either stand my SHP up against the wall or hang it from the ceiling and it doesn't take up much space either way.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">SETUP</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div>This part is easy. Use the pictures in the manual to show you what your linkages should look like. Use the servos arms as shown in the pictures, and then go to the bottom of the manual and use the throws, rates and expos <strong><em><u>exactly</u></em></strong> like the manual says.&nbsp; Do this and you can never go wrong.<br /><br />If you want to tinker with it after a few flights, go ahead. But at least initially please use the time proven set up in the manual because we know for sure it works.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">FLYING</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most overriding impression almost everyone gets for the SHP is just how easy, stable and forgiving it is to fly. Perhaps my years of flying the plane has&nbsp;shaped my flying style to get the most out of it, but I am certainly comfortable with it. I can put the SHP aside for awhile, but when I take it back out I am on it and in the groove instantly. No matter how crossed up I get it, I know exactly what to expect from this plane every time. </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>Like I say, the SHP is sweet and easy, though agile and aggressive when you ask that from it. This truly is a plane that is something for everyone. I don't believe there is a single qualified pilot out there who would not enjoy this plane. I've been flying the SHP since, I believe 2007 or so, and I never get tired of it. I put it away sometimes and concentrate on other projects, but I always come back to this plane when I just want to have some crazy, easy fun.<br /><br />I also love the SHP because everything seems to happen a little slower and I can push harder and learn better. Whenever I fly the SHP for a few days I am better when I go back to my other planes. To me that is reason enough to have one, though I have so much fun with mine that I will always have at least one in flying condition at all times.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/199181594" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/199181594">Extra SHP Old Faithful 2</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I flew the SHP for years on 4s batteries and it was a hoot like that. Lately, though, I like the SHP on 3s packs because it keeps the plane light and allows me to run as big as a 14/7 prop. I've found you give up a little too much top speed with that prop and like a 13/6.5 for all around performance. </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/199181665" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/199181665">Extra SHP Old Faithful 3</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>A huge thanks to Ben Fisher of 3DHS for hooking me up with my original SHP and coaching me in the early days of my 3D experience. That knowledge has taken me a very long way, as has the SHP itself.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em></em></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>&nbsp;Also thanks to my friends at Hitec RCD who provided the killer HS5070MH servos use in this particular plane, plus other project. </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>And of course, thanks to The&nbsp;Boss at&nbsp;Extreme Flight.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em></em></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>The generous support of these companies make these reports possible, plus they are jolly good companies.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Instead of writing the same things I have so many previous times, I suggest you read my previous articles, listed below:</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/07/extra-shpflying-with-old-friend.html" target="_blank"><strong>Extra SHP__Flying With An Old Friend</strong></a></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/07/3dhs-extra-shpa-closer-look.html" target="_blank">3DHS Extra SHP__A Closer Look</a></span></strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/07/3dhs-extra-shplightning-strikes.html" target="_blank">3DHS Extra SHP__Lightning strikes </a></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/07/extra-shpflying-on-3sall-new-video.html" target="_blank">Extra SHP__Flying On 3s__All New Video Showcase</a></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/12/tweaking-out-3dhs-extramurder-shp.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Tweaking out the 3DHS Extra__MURDER SHP</span></strong>&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8BN4jZ7rdE/WIAZD6F1K0I/AAAAAAAAIQM/PVr55ggIk001yk1tTGbBg7UVSgYzqD4IgCLcB/s1600/Hitec%2BExtra%2BSHP__008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8BN4jZ7rdE/WIAZD6F1K0I/AAAAAAAAIQM/PVr55ggIk001yk1tTGbBg7UVSgYzqD4IgCLcB/s640/Hitec%2BExtra%2BSHP__008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWS9uKOmsLA/WI6TPhzX-dI/AAAAAAAAIQg/yfTke860FPkAaR4utYdqp8aV1qUOy7v8wCLcB/s1600/3DHS%2BExtra%2BSHP%2BVideo%2BArtwork__0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWS9uKOmsLA/WI6TPhzX-dI/AAAAAAAAIQg/yfTke860FPkAaR4utYdqp8aV1qUOy7v8wCLcB/s640/3DHS%2BExtra%2BSHP%2BVideo%2BArtwork__0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlDckGk-Hco/WJ-2lgs90RI/AAAAAAAAIRg/9Ukd9SmZrxkddGrU3UqT8Q1un_WlswOpQCLcB/s1600/Extra%2BSHP%2BV3%2BVirgin%2BArtwork%2B015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlDckGk-Hco/WJ-2lgs90RI/AAAAAAAAIRg/9Ukd9SmZrxkddGrU3UqT8Q1un_WlswOpQCLcB/s320/Extra%2BSHP%2BV3%2BVirgin%2BArtwork%2B015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-27060935705323790792017-01-09T20:10:00.001-05:002017-01-18T19:05:16.340-05:0048" Demonstrator__Rebooted, Dialed In, And Rockin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7QRUFBHprk/WIABOgv9NGI/AAAAAAAAIPo/R_LZGoR8MbYqY58vElFS5uxogV9mNgd2QCLcB/s1600/Hitec%2BDemonstrator__004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7QRUFBHprk/WIABOgv9NGI/AAAAAAAAIPo/R_LZGoR8MbYqY58vElFS5uxogV9mNgd2QCLcB/s640/Hitec%2BDemonstrator__004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Recently 3DHS did a total reboot of their wildly popular 48" Edge 540, by adding the dazzling<br />Demonstrator printed color scheme and significant carbon fiber reinforcement and carbon landing gear. The entire plane was rethought,&nbsp;redone, and reimagined, which is sort of the definition of a reboot.<br /><br />You can read all of the specifics in great detail in <a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;"><strong>3DHS 48" Edge Demonstrator__A Nice Plane Turned Badass</strong></span></a> , and this article is merely a follow up with additional set up info and flying observations.<br /><br />This was originally a really nice little plane built with the beginner in mind. It had wire landing gear and was just about nearly indestructible. We had one in my club go through about 50 propellers and 10 sets of wheels because it took so much abuse, and all the guy who owned it ever had to do was bend the gear back into place. That was one ratty looking plane with patches and epoxy smeared all over it, but it still flew great.<br /><br />A lot of guys got their start with this plane, and most of the pilots&nbsp;who have moved on to other planes&nbsp;still hang on to their Edge simply because it's always nice to have something to fall back on that's so easy and reassuring to fly. I still keep an SHP in the fleet to this day for that reason, though I think I'm always going to need a Demonstrator too..<br /><br />The original 48" Edge was designed to fly with either 3s 2700-3000mah or&nbsp;4s 2200-2700mah&nbsp;packs. The larger capacity 3s packs balance the plane nicely, give you really good run time,&nbsp;and allow you run as large as a 14" prop. This is superb for either 3D training or nice, easy, relaxed sport 3D. The smaller capacity&nbsp;4s packs keep the plane light and deliver blistering performance for the more experienced pilot. You could also fly it on low rates and do pure sport flying, so as you can see, this plane has something for just about everyone. It can be almost anything you want it to be.<br /><br /><strong>Cool Again</strong><br />Sadly even the best airplanes fall out of favor because there is always the latest and greatest coming out next week. However, the latest and greatest isn't always for everyone, especially if that means giving up something as trusty as these planes always have been. What the 48" Edge really needed was to be <em>cool</em> again, and the Demonstrator has redefined what a cool 48" plane can be.<br /><br />The dazzling Demonstrator scheme was just the start. The inside&nbsp;of the plane is full of carbon fiber, mostly where you can actually see it and show it off to your envious flying buddies. It not only<br />looks cool, but makes the plane stronger, tighter,&nbsp;and fly better for longer. The motorbox is now so much stiffer that the transfer of energy to the propeller is much more efficient, which in effect gives you more power.<br /><br />That and with the carbon landing gear I feel like this has become a much more serious airplane. It hasn't of course, because it's still just crazy fun and easy to fly, but now it's so upgraded I enjoy showing it off to people and pointing out the nuances in the graphics and the carbon reinforcement. Before it was a nice beginner plane, but now it's a nice beginner plane that the more seasoned pilots will enjoy because&nbsp;<em>looks</em> so serious.<br /><br />Essentially, the airframe has been made to be the best it can be with what we now know. Who knows? Another five years and we could see another reboot, but for now, this plane is satisfying enough.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>WHY 3S?</strong></span></div>I've flown a few of these in the past on 3s and they were great, so I assumed it's a 3s plane. This is actually a 4s 2200-2700&nbsp;plane that's light enough to fly on larger&nbsp;3s 2700-3000&nbsp;packs, kind of like the SHP. I decided on 3s for this project because that's all I know, and also because the SHP is the same size and weight and it's magic on 3s 2250 packs.<br /><br />Early on I found out a 3s 2250 55C Lightning pack is a little light for this plane, and I needed 1 ounce of ballast bolted on the bottom of the motorbox to get the CG where I wanted it. I flew it first tail heavy and I can attest the ballast made the plane fly a lot better but not any heavier. This plane is still really light. I may pick up some 4s 2700 packs and turn that ballast into more run time. I'm getting a real solid 5 minutes now, so I could probably get six easy with a 3s 2700.<br /><br />Running this plane on 3s offers some solid advantages. First is 3s packs are lighter than 4s packs. I kind gave some of that up with the ballast but it's still way lighter than running a 4s 2700 pack. The other advantage is the ability to run a 13/6.5 or 14/7 prop. This gives you a bigger cone of thrust over the control surfaces when you are in a stalled or near stalled condition, which really improves 3D performance. Less voltage is less power, so the plane is slower and this gives me more time to set up and execute my moves cleanly. Less power is also a lot easier to fly because the power band is wider and not as spikey. You get smooth, progressive throttle control and the plane is not always trying to accelerate away. It's kind of like the difference between driving&nbsp; Corvette or a Volkswagen on a slick road. it's much easier to control the lower powered car.<br /><br />In rough, all around terms, 3s and the big prop makes the plane much easier and gentle to fly. It's better for learning that flying a fire breathing monster. And also, even he experienced guys still love to have something really easy to fly&nbsp; when they just want to relax, and it's both of these in this configuration. Like this, the Demonstrator is so easy to fly I can favorably compare it to the SHP, which is really saying something, and considerable praise..<br /><br />We do plan to do a 4s report, but maybe not with this particular Demonstrator. This one is working so well I don't want to change anything, so I just might build another one for 4s power and Hitec's new 5070MG servo. The specs suggest they will be a much better servo for this plane, and since they are six volts you run them straight off the Airboss 45"s onboard BEC. No extra messing around soldering up a BEC and having extra wires clogging up your neat power system installation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">FLYING OBSERVATIONS</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">For this report I am going to concentrate on the maneuvers that the newer pilots need a little help with. While this plane is considerably capable, it's still a good platform for the newer 3D pilots to sharpen up on.<br /><br />Part of me is still not sure whether this or the SHP is the best plane to start with, though because of it's great harrier manners, I am leaning toward the Edge.&nbsp; I think the SHP might be a little bit more forgiving of errors, but the Edge is easier for someone new to learn harrier on, and that's the maneuver you want to start with,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Harrier</strong></div>First, it's an Edge, which means as long as it wears the Big X or 3DHS logo, it's automatically going to be a harrier monster. As a crucial skill in 3D, having a plane that harriers so well and forgives mistakes so freely is a big plus for the new guys. It's also a nice trait to for the experienced guys to have on hand when they are pushing the plane hard on the deck.<br /><br />It was hard to cram everything into a five minute video, but there's enough harrier and elevator work in there to show you how stable the Edge is with the nose way up in the air. I'm probably starting to get a little too brave with it, but the plane just feels that good to fly.<br /><br />Initially I had my CG too far back, but the plane still flew harrier with no wing rock or surprise tendencies. It really should have flown badly, but instead it merely just wasn't as good as it could be. Once I dialed that in, the plane reacted exactly like I was expecting and harrier is now so locked in that it's simply instinctual to haul the nose up and drive it around on the rudder with very, very little aileron correction. Superb and easy harrier manners all the way around.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/198769564" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/198769564">48 Demonstrator Embrace The Chaos 2</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Harrier Turns</strong></div>The Edge likes to have the nose pulled up, then slightly banked into the turn, and rudder applied to initiate the turn. A little opposite aileron helps the inside wing from dipping, and some power added to keep the nose up and air flowing over the controls. From there it's a matter of juggling all four and I made it sound a lot more difficult than it really is. With the Edge, after a day of harrier practice, even a new 3D pilot can drive it up and down the runway with the nose up for a whole pack.<br /><br />I picked up harrier turns almost before I learned straight line harrier because I had practiced stall turns so much in my pattern days. Having a good stall turn going comes in really handy when learning harrier turns because most of the skills are the same. The angle is just different. If you are a sport pilot coming into 3D, make sure you have good stall turn in your bag of tricks because it will come in handy.<br /><br />As you can see in the videos from this and the earlier article, the Edge does a nice gentle harrier turn, or if you want to manhandle it, you can spin it right around on the rudder with a sharp blast of power.<br /><br />As always, especially when learning a new move, cut yourself a break&nbsp;and use a bit more altitude than seems necessary, because it just might be.<br /><br /><strong>Elevator Maneuvers</strong><br />Elevators are a really good first maneuver to learn for new 3D pilots, and the Edge simply loves to do them.&nbsp;You do an elevator by gently stalling the plane (because you don't want to begin the maneuver out of control), and, locking in&nbsp;about 7/8 full elevator stick and steer it with the rudder. Stay off the ailerons as much as you can and it will drop straight down like a brick falling down an elevator shaft, though certainly not as fast. Like I say, you can actually control the speed of the descent with a little throttle.<br /><strong></strong><br />It's much the same as with turning elevator maneuvers, though there are a lot of planes you simply don't want to try it with because they can bite you and the Edge won't.&nbsp;I use a turning&nbsp;elevator to burn altitude when I am setting up a slow speed maneuver on the down low, and with the Edge it's easy to do even when you are turning the plane. Just hold the nose up and turn it on the rudder and control the speed of descent with the throttle, holding a little opposite aileron to keep the wings level.<br />Having&nbsp;this plane be so flexible and forgiving in this attitude allows you to adjust your speed, altitude and placement with almost instinctual ease. Of course, by instinctual I mean provided you have a little experience and a decent elevator and harrier going for you.<br /><br /><strong>Snaps and Spins</strong><br /><em><u>Low rates:</u></em> Compared to the EXPs I am used to flying, this Edge has a short tail moment, which is the distance between the wing and tail. This makes the plane respond better to elevator and rudder inputs and why you only need 45 degrees of elevator to do 3D with this plane.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/198922247" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/198922247">48 Demonstrator__Embrace The Chaos 3</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />The Edge does nice, clean snaps and recovers instantly, as soon as you center the sticks. The only hard part of snapping this plane is getting the timing right, so it does a full rotation and stops where you want it. You learn&nbsp;that just by flying it and snapping it.<br /><br />Low rate and high rate snaps are different though, and this is true of every 3D plane I have flown. On low rates you hammer the elevator and hold it, then after 1/4 second&nbsp;delay go full rudder and ailerons either right or left, depending on which way you want to go. You will have to play with timing so you release and have the plane come out straight and level, but it's not that hard. Bang, release.<br /><br />If you are starting to really get brave hold the snap roll control in and the plane will drop into a nice controlled spin. When you let off the sticks, she will stop, so you add power, level the nose and wings, and simply fly out. If you are learning, be careful you don't get hypnotized by how cool it is and watch it spin all that way to the ground, and we've all done it.<br /><br />Now, don't even try this until you have a good grip on your snaps and basic spins: You can also center the ailerons and the spin will flatten out a little, then ease off the elevator and it will go really flat. Then you can speed the spin up with down elevator, or slow it down with up elevator. When you come out of this spin you may get one or two more rotations than you bargained for, but this can be arrested instantly with a little opposite rudder.<br /><br /><em><u>High Rates: </u></em>High rate snaps are a little different though. If you use full elevator deflection it's too much and the plane will just wallow through it. I think maybe the elevator is so much drag that it acts more like a parachute than a control surface. On high rates I still use full rudder and ailerons, but I back the elevator off to about 1/2 stick movement and that seems to do the trick. Oddly, outside snaps are best with everything fully deflected, and I have no explanation for that, but it's the same on every plane I own.<br /><br />I accidentally discovered a really cool spin that uses right, right (or left., left)&nbsp;and <em><strong>down</strong></em> elevator. It comes down pretty fast and spinning hard, but the moment you release it stops dead in it's tracks and then you pull up, power up and fly away. It will scare you the first few times, but it comes out so easily that soon you'll be fearless with it.<br /><br /><strong>Knife Edge Spin</strong><br />For some reason I can't explain, Edges always see to be the easiest planes to Knife Edge (KE)&nbsp;Spin. Other planes can be finicky about control input, control timing and entry, but both the 3DHS and Extreme Flight Edges drop right in from any altitude if you get the sticks right. I use full left rudder, full down elevator and about 1/8 to 1/4 left aileron and about 20% power. You can even pulse the throttle if you like, or once you get started just peg the throttle and let it growl. I like to reduce the power as low as I can get away with and that seems to wind it up really good too, plus it sounds and looks prettier.<br /><br />You can do this from almost any attitude, though I have found the most efficient entry is from an outside snap of some sort because from there you just carry the momentum into the KE spin. My favorite is to enter from a pop top, hold the rudder in and add 1/8th aileron, and then it just keeps spinning right into it. The only hard part is the timing is crucial if you want it to look clean. If you miss it, just put the KE stick movement in and it will go in by itself after it thrashes around a bit.<br /><br />KE spins are really&nbsp;hard on the airframe and it burns power almost as quickly as a dead short. For this reason I like to enter them really low and pull her out after one or two revolutions. It's still a KE spin, but it saves wear and tear,and energy I can use for other maneuvers.<br /><br />Mostly it's all timing, which you can't teach. You can only get that with stick time, but that's not so bad because we all really want to be out there flying anyway.<br /><br /><strong>Tumble</strong><br />Now We are going to kind of split hairs because an upright tumble is just a snap roll at high speed and full snap roll controls. Like I say, for a clean snap you don't use all of the elevator travel, but for a violent tumble, let it rip. You'll see several of those in the video because I use them as a turn around maneuver. I've just figured the timing out and know how to make it stop and fly out the opposite direction it went in. This is the&nbsp;kind of thing you learn simply by doing it enough until you get it right, and then repeat as necessary.<br /><br /><strong>Precision:</strong><br />Triple taper wings are generally considered to be more precise in rolling and snapping maneuvers, though the 3DHS and EXP Edges have closed that gap considerably. These Edges are really good at big sky maneuvering.<br /><br />Mostly I like to use my low rate for any precision work. The plane is just too agile on high rates, though that doesn't seem to matter to people like Jase. For the rest of us though, a good low rate is absolutely essential.&nbsp;&nbsp;I use the set up from the manual, though dial my low ailerons back to three rolls in five seconds. That way I come across the field and peg the ailerons over, and then use tiny inputs of up, down, up, down, etc to keep the plane from dropping. Being able to peg the ailerons and forget about it just leaves me one less thing to get wrong and takes a&nbsp;considerable workload off the pilot. The three rolls in five seconds is a good speed because it's fast enough that the plane doesn't drop really badly, but it's slow enough that a sport pilot can keep up with it. You'll see one or two of those in the video too.<br /><br />Point and slow rolls you just have to work on, and the Edge is really good here. It seems like you need a little more rudder in knife edge during the points, but it's all in adapting to the individual airframe. Once you get yourself dialed into the plane, you forget about it.<br /><br /><strong>General</strong><br />The Edge is just sweet and easy all the way around. I am flying it on 3s for&nbsp;now so I could compare it to my SHP, and it stacks up quite well. In a lot of ways they are almost the same plane, though the SHP is Better at precision and the Edge harriers better. The two seem to fly about the same as far as being light on their wings, and if there is a difference it's too close for me to tell. <br /><br />This is making me rethink my belief that SHP is the best first 3D plane. Right now I am thinking either one of these would be impossible choices to beat. The plane does what you tell it to do and it stays where you put it. There are no bad habits or surprises and it's solid and reassuring to fly. It will make you confident, which is exactly what the new 3D pilot needs, and something veterans really appreciate too.<br /><br />I really like it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpi5zANSf5Q/WIABfVNhFkI/AAAAAAAAIPs/LNgsbYUKaMQPxyMRnQL5_BGILy01_9kfwCLcB/s1600/Hitec%2BDemonstrator__005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpi5zANSf5Q/WIABfVNhFkI/AAAAAAAAIPs/LNgsbYUKaMQPxyMRnQL5_BGILy01_9kfwCLcB/s640/Hitec%2BDemonstrator__005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">﻿</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-12933619281873538472017-01-04T17:53:00.001-05:002017-04-04T21:42:51.938-04:003DHS 48" Edge Demonstrator__A Nice Plane Turned Badass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1wgwh2pA5M/WIAYHXxV6BI/AAAAAAAAIQA/Pri3tjUtEcI-UK4Ux1yZ70NyVs18wXrZgCLcB/s1600/Hitec%2BDemonstrator__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1wgwh2pA5M/WIAYHXxV6BI/AAAAAAAAIQA/Pri3tjUtEcI-UK4Ux1yZ70NyVs18wXrZgCLcB/s640/Hitec%2BDemonstrator__001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Probably all of us have flown 3DHS' wonderful 48" Edge with the wire landing gear. It was the perfect plane for the newer pilot because you could repeatedly&nbsp;bash the crap out of it, bend the gear back into place and go bash it again and again and again. <br /><br />While this was a nice feature, it wasn't even the best feature. The best feature is the things just flew <em>good</em>. I built of few of these for friends, and as a result, got to test and sort them out before I handed them over. Of course, I never hammered them like they were my own, but I was confident enough in them that I could fly them hard enough to tell I liked them.<br /><br />This has always been one of those "must have" type of plans that I never got around to building, mostly because the EXPs were coming so fast, and then with the merger I became re-engrossed with the 3DHS Extra SHP, which I still fly often.<br /><br />In fact, the SHP makes this plane even more interesting because I already have the batteries. I've got a bunch of HS65MG laying around, so it just, as always, makes the most sense to use what you've got on the shelf. Just about everyone has what they need to put one of these together.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSZ8BgR8-7E/WGwgQcUAhbI/AAAAAAAAIMY/taUaBZJBcOI418I-Pmlr44hadR7XqcHLgCLcB/s1600/20170103_160441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSZ8BgR8-7E/WGwgQcUAhbI/AAAAAAAAIMY/taUaBZJBcOI418I-Pmlr44hadR7XqcHLgCLcB/s640/20170103_160441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzhJcadbJU/WGwgaRvgpkI/AAAAAAAAIMk/91zLg5Uv7vYGQsU-0w8Q7ypStT1-0UCdQCLcB/s1600/20170103_160448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzhJcadbJU/WGwgaRvgpkI/AAAAAAAAIMk/91zLg5Uv7vYGQsU-0w8Q7ypStT1-0UCdQCLcB/s320/20170103_160448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4SF25SqlRE/WGwgWhIvojI/AAAAAAAAIMc/uMMW-uhr2bkT_ers7n_InJLPp_Tmyp_0QCLcB/s1600/20170103_160453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4SF25SqlRE/WGwgWhIvojI/AAAAAAAAIMc/uMMW-uhr2bkT_ers7n_InJLPp_Tmyp_0QCLcB/s200/20170103_160453.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVxRjIdmcG4/WGwgZAKL8fI/AAAAAAAAIMg/738EnNwvgeI7WdHSq7V-cwYE5ww8LUPWwCLcB/s1600/20170103_160503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVxRjIdmcG4/WGwgZAKL8fI/AAAAAAAAIMg/738EnNwvgeI7WdHSq7V-cwYE5ww8LUPWwCLcB/s200/20170103_160503.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDCaaJofaU/WGwgcDQedjI/AAAAAAAAIMo/IW8LwxZQ1FsWucaW-DferL0K15qMs1yRACLcB/s1600/20170103_160514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDCaaJofaU/WGwgcDQedjI/AAAAAAAAIMo/IW8LwxZQ1FsWucaW-DferL0K15qMs1yRACLcB/s320/20170103_160514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7tWLOYgidE/WGvsmkWq-AI/AAAAAAAAIKg/Utm9EFxNKawBRpG89ZMd9C98w1CkWUjzwCLcB/s1600/20170103_131549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7tWLOYgidE/WGvsmkWq-AI/AAAAAAAAIKg/Utm9EFxNKawBRpG89ZMd9C98w1CkWUjzwCLcB/s640/20170103_131549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nl5pG7Y7eFo/WGvst6ZJlZI/AAAAAAAAIKk/GnDzcjqRIm0ilAjYat4CKO13OjoGei-9ACLcB/s1600/20170103_131633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nl5pG7Y7eFo/WGvst6ZJlZI/AAAAAAAAIKk/GnDzcjqRIm0ilAjYat4CKO13OjoGei-9ACLcB/s200/20170103_131633.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nv6_YOR7-cs/WGvsx0U8HgI/AAAAAAAAIKs/hx_c5F_R87QsmWIkZYFP-GivFL_yEUMfgCLcB/s1600/20170103_131705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nv6_YOR7-cs/WGvsx0U8HgI/AAAAAAAAIKs/hx_c5F_R87QsmWIkZYFP-GivFL_yEUMfgCLcB/s200/20170103_131705.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Nice Birthday Surprise</strong><br />I didn't even know when the Demonstrators were supposed to come out, so I was a bit surprised when mine showed two days before my birthday. Not only was I lucky enough to get one of the first ones off the truck, my kit box had the extreme honor of wearing the Champ's autograph!<br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XsxJCpNr9E4/WG6jKCz2pMI/AAAAAAAAINg/lwtdaeyn-8k4DPT0ZN560GODNaIWSqKvgCLcB/s1600/20170105_144335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XsxJCpNr9E4/WG6jKCz2pMI/AAAAAAAAINg/lwtdaeyn-8k4DPT0ZN560GODNaIWSqKvgCLcB/s320/20170105_144335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Carbon Goodies</strong><br />Let's be very clear about one thing: This isn't the same candy bar with a new wrapper, even if<strong> </strong>it is a pretty cool wrapper. Nearly everything on this plane is an upgrade. This is what the plane would have been to begin with if 3DHS had not been so diligent about keeping the cost down to $150. This&nbsp;plane now costs about $30 more, but it's almost like $100 worth of upgrade. Everything that was not absolute top grade has been replaced with absolute&nbsp;top grade. This is a very righteous airframe and an exceptional value.<br /><strong></strong><br />The most obvious upgrade is the carbon landing gear and 3DHS' carbon rod reinforced landing gear block assembly. The 3DHS carbon gear is a little thicker than an EXP landing gear and will take a bit more abuse. You will have to work hard to break this gear.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69uVjJWa7P8/WGvk95P1v8I/AAAAAAAAIJs/fE9H69EnGkwRBW6EIq2QHEpOy65TD79hQCLcB/s1600/Crbon%2BGear%2B%25281%2529.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69uVjJWa7P8/WGvk95P1v8I/AAAAAAAAIJs/fE9H69EnGkwRBW6EIq2QHEpOy65TD79hQCLcB/s400/Crbon%2BGear%2B%25281%2529.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Also provided is a nice Ultrakoted balsa plate to go over where the landing gear mounts. This hides the landing gear bolts and gives a cleaner appearance (as well as cleaner aerodynamics) and also a more scale appearance. It makes it look more like a plane and less like a model. Instead of gluing the block in place, I chose to drill the block and gear, and secure the block with a long self tapping screw. That way I can remove it&nbsp;periodically check the bolts for tightness.<br /><br />Inside the landing gear area is supported by carbon laminate bulkheads and carbon rods. As many horrible bad landings as I have made with my SHP, plus some outright crashes I still have not been able to pull one of these assemblies apart. I've tried over and over to get a good picture of this assembly, but it's all under the battery tray and defies photography.<br /><br />The original 48" Edge was a pretty stout little plane, so I am not so sure all the carbon found on the demonstrator is strictly necessary. It does make for some pretty righteous bling though and it looks great. The face of the firewall is covered in carbon, as are the battery tray,&nbsp;motorbox sides and top. The carbon runs all the way back to the rearward edge of the motorbox sides. so to this is probably the strongest 48" class size motorbox we have ever seen. Somehow I don't see motorbox kits for this plane being a big seller simply because to break the box you would probably have to kill the entire airplane.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKqEu5NURn8/WGuteilNOqI/AAAAAAAAIGw/rR7OB6qHHZkLRhFPLbl8miZvWQfhRFKPgCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BGoodies000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKqEu5NURn8/WGuteilNOqI/AAAAAAAAIGw/rR7OB6qHHZkLRhFPLbl8miZvWQfhRFKPgCLcB/s320/Carbon%2BGoodies000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R6s_zCQnA1I/WGutnvm9XnI/AAAAAAAAIG4/Ga2V_pGlBB00HdIDelBBXhbgJCWKAvwQwCLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BGoodies002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R6s_zCQnA1I/WGutnvm9XnI/AAAAAAAAIG4/Ga2V_pGlBB00HdIDelBBXhbgJCWKAvwQwCLcB/s200/Carbon%2BGoodies002.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8vsr2ts4S8/WGutmndJ6iI/AAAAAAAAIG0/uh8aD5TdTBMRuzyxjN_2pJN2TQHb_ilMACLcB/s1600/Carbon%2BGoodies001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8vsr2ts4S8/WGutmndJ6iI/AAAAAAAAIG0/uh8aD5TdTBMRuzyxjN_2pJN2TQHb_ilMACLcB/s200/Carbon%2BGoodies001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Special mention to the carbon reinforcement of the canopy rear where the hatch pin seats. In the past the wood in this hole could wallow out a little and make the fit sloppy, but no more. Also worth noting is that you don't even need to hold the latch handle back to seat the canopy. You just slide the front of the canopy under the cowl until the front retention pin seats, and then press down on the rear of the canopy. Then it snaps into place with a satisfying click.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More carbon can be found in critical high stress areas such as the anti rotation pins in the wing, and the holes they plug into. Previous models used wood dowels, and wood reinforcement around the holes in the fuselage. After a lot of really hard use you could get wear in those areas and the wing to fuselage fit could become a little sloppy. Replacing that wood with carbon keeps everything a nice, tight, precise fit, which will give you a better and more precise flying, longer lasting airframe.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="goog_188106270"></span><span id="goog_188106271"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCjJLpOF1qk/WGvmNKZ8y4I/AAAAAAAAIKE/fjgQ_dXjk6IRfYSos6FIJu1cC0AuoSGAwCLcB/s1600/Anti%2Brotation.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCjJLpOF1qk/WGvmNKZ8y4I/AAAAAAAAIKE/fjgQ_dXjk6IRfYSos6FIJu1cC0AuoSGAwCLcB/s200/Anti%2Brotation.jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vbWTlsXY9w/WGvmRZ2Y_RI/AAAAAAAAIKI/yFNtoXMkcyMDyYmyiFAWvQ3VOvVZ-xz2wCLcB/s1600/Wing%2BBolts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vbWTlsXY9w/WGvmRZ2Y_RI/AAAAAAAAIKI/yFNtoXMkcyMDyYmyiFAWvQ3VOvVZ-xz2wCLcB/s200/Wing%2BBolts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><strong>Wheel Pants</strong><br />It was also nice of Aron to give us a single color wheel pant. For years that's been where I traditionally put a Thunder Power decals, but the multi colored pants on my 52" Extra and 44" Slick were so nice I did not want to detract from the design. So, solid color works fine this time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-npJhLoQHY/WGv3TbSMdhI/AAAAAAAAILY/S5OL7csdibAAvgEpiKzLQmXStI4IEX_fACLcB/s1600/Wheel%2BPant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-npJhLoQHY/WGv3TbSMdhI/AAAAAAAAILY/S5OL7csdibAAvgEpiKzLQmXStI4IEX_fACLcB/s320/Wheel%2BPant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>SFGs</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another righteous upgrade on the 48" Demonstrator are it's Side Force Generators (SFG)s. Generally one of the&nbsp;purposes of&nbsp;SFGs is&nbsp;to minimize or eliminate wing rock. A good Edge is impervious to wing rock anyway, so on the surface of it this might seem unnecessary. However, you can get wing rock in an Edge if your harrier skills are sloppy, so for the newer pilots, it's hard to imagine a better learning tool than an Edge equipped with SFGs. Harrier is such an important skill that you want to give them the most stable harrier platform you can, and this plane is it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FH-wNI81N_U/WGvRyO7PRdI/AAAAAAAAIH8/EAnQ5_c_eaQN9m2AXxly2RkA5xpra3B_gCLcB/s1600/SFGs.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FH-wNI81N_U/WGvRyO7PRdI/AAAAAAAAIH8/EAnQ5_c_eaQN9m2AXxly2RkA5xpra3B_gCLcB/s400/SFGs.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kit comes equipped with 3DHS' neat little thumbscrews for attaching the SFGs. I never plan to take the wing off of mine or remove the SFGs, but this will be a nice touch for people with smaller cars who have to break the plane down for transport.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XR3axjdRo88/WGv3I02s-RI/AAAAAAAAILU/80HPKY2vbRcqpBQTQI5CUzLWlnJFatTUgCLcB/s1600/SFG%2BBolts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XR3axjdRo88/WGv3I02s-RI/AAAAAAAAILU/80HPKY2vbRcqpBQTQI5CUzLWlnJFatTUgCLcB/s320/SFG%2BBolts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These SFGs also provide a lot of side lift in knife edge maneuvers. You can get the same sort of effect by moving the canopy way forward, but instead 3DHS kept the scale appearance of the aircraft and improved it's knife edge abilities with these neat little SFGs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The previous 48" Edge flew just fine with no SFGs, so those who want to go with the pure scale appearance can simply leave them off and suffer no ill effects at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Printed Covering</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, KM has done it again. What a beautiful graphics package! Well done, Aron.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">New for this size plane is 3DHS' exclusive printed covering. I am not sure how the process works but my understanding is that the design is printed on the Ultrakote, applied to the plane, and then shot with a coat of clear paint. This protects the printing and also adds a nice, lustrous shine to the plane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJtOcHTA5pA/WGu1fZRm84I/AAAAAAAAIHo/nz1remQXP4Qb8vPzs2pg5YCqJu8lqELTQCLcB/s1600/20161231_222552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJtOcHTA5pA/WGu1fZRm84I/AAAAAAAAIHo/nz1remQXP4Qb8vPzs2pg5YCqJu8lqELTQCLcB/s400/20161231_222552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmvOvOv5Jr8/WGut6yJTc7I/AAAAAAAAIHQ/pF_jnvbypd4g5vrNtBy0Dd5wIenXunpbACLcB/s1600/Scheme001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmvOvOv5Jr8/WGut6yJTc7I/AAAAAAAAIHQ/pF_jnvbypd4g5vrNtBy0Dd5wIenXunpbACLcB/s200/Scheme001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRuCcYFXHjE/WGut9GXVZ5I/AAAAAAAAIHU/VCi8gjGds4QTDb-4Xx5WXafpLoRal1cLwCLcB/s1600/cSxheme002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRuCcYFXHjE/WGut9GXVZ5I/AAAAAAAAIHU/VCi8gjGds4QTDb-4Xx5WXafpLoRal1cLwCLcB/s200/cSxheme002.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of special note is that you can't really appreciate the intricate subtleties of the printing until you actually hold one of these planes in your hands. I tried to convey this in the pictures, but even with a good camera you can't do the plane justice. I noticed much the same thing with the 42" Slick. The detail and subtle shifts of color tone make for a very interesting look. The way the carbon pattern fades in and out of the flames is amazing. I'm betting 3DHS graphics guru Aron Bates&nbsp;drove himself a little crazy getting this one so perfect. The whole presentation is very slick.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZj8N9A7kd4/WGut5b8N1JI/AAAAAAAAIHM/Rp2vD938MyIjD5KWe9087b1l2FRFmo_zACLcB/s1600/cSxheme000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZj8N9A7kd4/WGut5b8N1JI/AAAAAAAAIHM/Rp2vD938MyIjD5KWe9087b1l2FRFmo_zACLcB/s400/cSxheme000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Cooling</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My kit was one of the first off the truck, before the manuals were ready, so I had to guess where to put the cooling opening. There's a nice balsa sheet area around where you see the cut out, so that was my best guess. If this is different from what you see in the manual, please follow the manual.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5GtWwmWTVkk/WGxlmUIwXpI/AAAAAAAAINE/xMuUYu7llnc4T87HEdLeSAWkKRjTK_caQCLcB/s1600/20170103_122936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5GtWwmWTVkk/WGxlmUIwXpI/AAAAAAAAINE/xMuUYu7llnc4T87HEdLeSAWkKRjTK_caQCLcB/s320/20170103_122936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><strong>Aileron Set Up</strong><br /><strong></strong>Sport flyers might think this set up looks wrong because the pushrod is not at a straight angle. The reason we set the pushrod this way is because in 3D we run so much throw that you want the pushrod as straight as you can get it <strong>at maximum throw</strong>. Bolting it to what appears to be the wrong side of the control horn actually gives you perfect geometry at full deflection.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-874m-37hVY4/WGutcuPEfYI/AAAAAAAAIGs/PyeKATXB6AYUX61NLP2lQyRbf9d_fgNlwCLcB/s1600/Aileron%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-874m-37hVY4/WGutcuPEfYI/AAAAAAAAIGs/PyeKATXB6AYUX61NLP2lQyRbf9d_fgNlwCLcB/s400/Aileron%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a major upgrade 3DHS is now supplying double ball link hardware. Ball links give you smoother, drag free operation, as well as eliminating any slop or looseness in the pushrod system. They are also much easier to set up that the old swivel connectors, You just bolt them on and you're done. I love this upgrade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Elevator Set Up</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, it's just a simple dual ball link set up. If you follow the manual, it's really hard, if not impossible to go wrong. The kit comes with hardened allen head bolts and lock nuts, so again it's just a simple bolt together operation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1h2WxrrFCM/WHME7wDwTBI/AAAAAAAAINw/axi_PFBgGHoaj3asy6zTGNdXkMDJ9xqPwCLcB/s1600/20170108_222845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1h2WxrrFCM/WHME7wDwTBI/AAAAAAAAINw/axi_PFBgGHoaj3asy6zTGNdXkMDJ9xqPwCLcB/s400/20170108_222845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the standard arm that comes with the servo and pegged my end points. This gives me slightly less than bevel to bevel deflection, so it's plenty of throw with&nbsp;no danger of the servo binding. Like the rest of my set up, this comes straight out of the manual. The entire plane is extremely well thought out.</div><br />You want your pushrods to be as straight as you can get them, so to achieve this for the elevator. I bolted the ball link to the inside of control horn. The alignment is absolutely perfect, which assures smooth operation and good centering of the control surface.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DoO8J-7cjMw/WGvt3IFZudI/AAAAAAAAIK0/pb97zJyy5ogpOE36NYXPA55aMzE0tpxAQCLcB/s1600/Elevator%2BStraight%2BShot%2BPushrod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DoO8J-7cjMw/WGvt3IFZudI/AAAAAAAAIK0/pb97zJyy5ogpOE36NYXPA55aMzE0tpxAQCLcB/s400/Elevator%2BStraight%2BShot%2BPushrod.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Ruder Set Up</strong><br />I'm going to cheat a little here and point you to the picture above because it also gives you a good view&nbsp;of the pull/pull rudder cables. The slots in the fuselage come precut, so it's a simple matter to tuck the loose covering into the slot with a trim iron.<br /><br />Pull/pull systems are not difficult to set up or maintain. You just need to know a few tricks, and you'll learn those on your own after you do a few of them yourself. The only thing that makes me crazy on pull/pull installations is that's it's not easy to do a clean looking installation. You've got the crimp piece and the wire loop and the extra wire hanging out, and to me I just cringe when I see work like that. <br /><br />I think I've come up with a decent enough looking solution though. First, I slide the crimp piece very close to the threaded adjuster piece, and I pull the slack wire so tight that the loop you would normally see flattens out against the crimp piece. I crimp, run a little thin CA onto the crimp piece, and once the glue sets up I cover the whole thing with some heat shrink tubing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gdZGzcjO_8/WGvvP_y5stI/AAAAAAAAILA/F04NUgq5vD09E0mOD-WuKpjlD1Aimrk4ACLcB/s1600/Cable%2BEnds%2BOutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gdZGzcjO_8/WGvvP_y5stI/AAAAAAAAILA/F04NUgq5vD09E0mOD-WuKpjlD1Aimrk4ACLcB/s400/Cable%2BEnds%2BOutside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It's not perfect, but it looks so much better than having everything exposed that I an reasonably happy with it. I am probably going to always have one of these planes, so I will work on making something even cleaner looking. I have a little bit of OCD on things like this, which always drives me to trying to do things better.<br /><br />Here's what the cables look like hooked to the servo. You use that standard Hitec HS65MG servo&nbsp;arm that comes with the servo. Again, I got the crimp pieces as close as I could to the&nbsp;connector pieces, got the loop wire as tight as I could and heat shrunk the entire thing to make a neater looking package.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onOpMT5gEcs/WGvUHFGUHVI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/CF-O7vFttWIsCmUlMZKTb5dAx0lJ4kbBACEw/s1600/Radio%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onOpMT5gEcs/WGvUHFGUHVI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/CF-O7vFttWIsCmUlMZKTb5dAx0lJ4kbBACEw/s400/Radio%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Radio Installation</strong><br />OK, I admit this part made me a little crazy, but it was expressly my fault. I'm really obsessive about a neat radio installation and while this one came out good, I will continue to tinker with it until I get it pristine enough to quell my OCD, at least a little.<br /><br />OK, I cheated and reused the picture from the rudder section, but it give you a good view of what you can expect when you put the radio in. The kit comes with a balsa plate you simply glue down on the lower stringers and it makes a nice base for mounting the receiver.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onOpMT5gEcs/WGvUHFGUHVI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/0yCa1A-Jzb0QwlNiQMS6SFcdwUBSha2vwCLcB/s1600/Radio%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onOpMT5gEcs/WGvUHFGUHVI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/0yCa1A-Jzb0QwlNiQMS6SFcdwUBSha2vwCLcB/s400/Radio%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span id="goog_672156033"></span><span id="goog_672156034"><strong>Power System</strong></span><br />By now most readers know what's coming next. Of course, it was going to be a Torque and an Airboss. <br /><br /><em>But of course.</em><br /><br />I started my association with Extreme Flight in 2008 representing the Torque and Airboss brands. That's 9 years of absolutely dead solid perfect reliability, so even if something else was recommended, and Torque and Airboss was still going to go into this plane. In this case it's my favorite of all of them, the venerable,&nbsp;versatile and bulletproof Torque 2814. I have flown this motor on 3, 4 and even 5 cells and it's always had great power, smooth running, perfect reliability and it's very own distinct turbine like sound. On 3s it just sounds like a sewing machine, on 4s it's like a turbine engine with the governor taken off and the throttle jammed open. On 5s it lets out a blood curling howl that's frightening to watch.<br /><br />For those of you who are replacing their older beloved wire geared 48" Edges, or even SHPs, your Omega 130G will bolt right in and work just fine. The Omega 103 will work too, but you might find it to be a&nbsp;little underwhelming.<br /><br />Worth mentioning is that if you buy the Torque/Airboss power system with your kit as a combo, you save about $70. That drops the price to where the motor is essentially almost free, or to the point the entire power system is very competitively priced with "budget" power systems that won't be nearly as good. If you already have a power system, that's good too, but if you need one for this plane, there's no better way to go than the Torque/Airboss power system combo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGPU_pm0EIQ/WGvV6ZTmRlI/AAAAAAAAIIg/Zd9_m8emsX4dNX0PY55nVWjOy-AWS1XCgCLcB/s1600/Power%2BSystem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGPU_pm0EIQ/WGvV6ZTmRlI/AAAAAAAAIIg/Zd9_m8emsX4dNX0PY55nVWjOy-AWS1XCgCLcB/s400/Power%2BSystem.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I wanted to mount the ESC on the bottom of the motorbox, but I could not get the deans plug to come out where I wanted it. I may play around with it later, but for now it was essential to get the article finished and get some video in the can and on the net.<br /><br />As such, I simply mounted it on the side of the motorbox and the deans plug comes into the battery compartment where it is out of the way for battery change out, but perfectly positioned to plug it into the battery.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Battery Placement</strong><br />It's a little early to say since as of this writing I have not flown the plane. Where you see the battery now puts the CG right on the front of the wing tube, which is traditionally when I like all of my Edges to be. I will adjust fore or aft depending on what it needs, but I am better this is where it's going to live.<br /><br />As with all my projects, nothing but <strong>Thunder Power</strong> batteries will do. I still have all my older 3s 2250 Lightning 55C packs, but I did pick up one of the new Elite 55C series batteries because I really need to be flying Thunder Power's latest. I'll be shooting video with this pack, but otherwise I am going to fly my Lightning packs because even after two years of hard use in my SHP, they are still nice and square, have low internal resistance, and give me five minutes of hard flight time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBaiyEykwM4/WGvcfJTsglI/AAAAAAAAIIw/YhG7yIoDtnQhyIajCva1ygexYNuqW10-QCLcB/s1600/Battery%2BLocation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBaiyEykwM4/WGvcfJTsglI/AAAAAAAAIIw/YhG7yIoDtnQhyIajCva1ygexYNuqW10-QCLcB/s400/Battery%2BLocation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>FLYING</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wind was so gusty it probably wasn't a good idea to go flying, but I was really looking forward to flying this plane, so I took a shot at it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's get the excuses out of the way first. I built the plane when I was sick, and I missed a few crucial details. I probably should have waited, but I already did that and lost two weeks when the 52" Extra came out, and I wasn't going to let <em>The Boss</em> down again like that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, I ended up way too tail heavy, but the plane still flew very reasonable well. This made precision maneuvers a bit difficult, but I can tell it's going to be a terrific plane once I get it dialed in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also forgot to jack the end points on one of my ailerons, so one was set at 100% and the other at 140%. I knew what I had done wrong the very first time I rolled the plane, but we were running out of daylight a just kept shooting. I know fixing that it is&nbsp;going to make a totally different plane out of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/197994072" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/197994072">48 Demonstrator Edge First Flight</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not that it was bad. In fact, it was exceptionally good considering how badly I had missed the set up. She was sweet and gentle, and very surprisingly, predictable. You might notice the pop tops look pretty lame, but that's a classic sign of too tail heavy. The plane just won't rotate on it's yaw axis like it should. The other ones I have flow pop top like a roulette wheel, so I have every confidence getting the CG right will fix that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's not much to say after one flight with a bad set up other than the plane is so good that you just about can't screw it up badly enough to make it fly poorly. This makes it a perfect plane for the new guys who are still learning, or the old dogs who don't pay attention when they are building.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In all, I'm really encouraged by how well it flew in spite of my mistakes, and I've got them all fixed now. We are hoping to shoot some more tomorrow if the weather isn't worse than today. It's supposed to be yukky all the rest of the week, so that could be our last chance for awhile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><strong>EDIT: </strong>It turns out I was waaay tail heavy on the first day and that threw everything off so badly it was hard to make a good judgment about any of the plane's characteristics.The big surprise is that it didn't absolutely and totally destroy the plane's good flying qualities. It just wasn't nearly as good as it could be, but we fixed that.<br /><br />I ended up bolting 1 ounce of flat mag wheel weight to the bottom of the motorbox and that absolutely did the trick and transformed the plane. Now, I can fly it instead of it flying me.<br /><br />I also replaced the elevator servo because the gears didn't sound very good in the one I had in the plane. Now it operates much more smoothly and doesn't sound like a handful of thumbtacks in a garbage disposal!<br /><br />With both ailerons now getting full throw, the elevator operating smoothly and&nbsp;the CG at neutral, now I've got a sweet little plane that I can push hard right on the deck. Because it's an Edge, it forgives a lot of sloppy flying, and a few times in the video you can clearly see some sloppy flying.<br />That's the thing about edges though. If you fly it badly you still probably won't wreck it, or at least you can save it more often than other planes.<br /><br />I pushed as hard as I could in this video. We had a dead 20mph wind at our backs, but my camera guy Coleman says "This is show business. Suck it up and go." And that's what we did.<br /><strong></strong><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/198427638" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/198427638">48 Demonstrator__Embrace The Chaos</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DS4s96lpTI/WH07Zjmu6lI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/I4yFgknOwRw_sRExA0dP6FCmm-Eqh-KhwCLcB/s1600/48%2BDemonstrator__13%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DS4s96lpTI/WH07Zjmu6lI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/I4yFgknOwRw_sRExA0dP6FCmm-Eqh-KhwCLcB/s640/48%2BDemonstrator__13%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqEJfvZI5Is/WORLjC7aG8I/AAAAAAAAIj8/O0ujKQzvRmYd36G6yI4TCRoFVV4-ZQQsACLcB/s1600/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqEJfvZI5Is/WORLjC7aG8I/AAAAAAAAIj8/O0ujKQzvRmYd36G6yI4TCRoFVV4-ZQQsACLcB/s400/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTU56nHTn80/WORLjBlsr3I/AAAAAAAAIj4/VLiafCbYgog4smCiphBzOBLOo_pKb7aqgCLcB/s1600/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTU56nHTn80/WORLjBlsr3I/AAAAAAAAIj4/VLiafCbYgog4smCiphBzOBLOo_pKb7aqgCLcB/s400/3DHS%2B48%2BDemonstratorr%2BVideo%2BArtwork__015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-77230201313355491152016-12-23T15:19:00.000-05:002016-12-26T11:09:38.120-05:0052" Extra EXP__Slo- Mo Theatre And Full Speed Remix<strong>First, thanks to my friends in Russia! As of Dec 26th, Russians have&nbsp;visited my blog&nbsp;1731 times. Thanks so much for your support!</strong><br /><br />Some of you may remember <a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/01/edge-expslo-mo-theatre.html" target="_blank"><strong>Edge EXP__Slo- Mo Theatre</strong></a><strong>. </strong>That was a fun project, and we've decided to do it again with the fantastic new 52" Extreme Flight Extra EXP.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/196894487" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/196894487">Extreme Flight__Half Speed Huck</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />&nbsp;Here is a collage of footage from previous videos, though remixed with some of the more awkward moments removed while retaining the awesome moments.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/196819665" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/196819665">Extreme Flight__Fly to Win</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />`&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/196352784" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/196352784">52 Extra EXP__More</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sadly,</span></strong><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Gandalf The Thunder Poodle has left us. He was a wonderful friend for the past 12 years and will always be in our hearts.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juUuwyKlmLw/WF16r13EzLI/AAAAAAAAIFM/yW_BrkXZ2pMZj8S7XCJhtvyXqj8GdBZMwCLcB/s320/Thunder%2BPoodle%2B001.jpg" width="320" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Since we so love our dogs, we wanted a puppy as soon as we could find a good one. Fortunately Gandalf's breeder had one puppy left&nbsp;and now she is going to retire, so we were lucky how it worked out.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, the resemblance is absolutely stunning.&nbsp; This is Rambo The Rampage Poodle. Right now he's about eight month old and full of cuteness and mischief. </div>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATJk2ZWppw0/WF165p7XAZI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/bdO-1H8bQ5UT5gXL5wLR-MdoJrCRon4mwCLcB/s1600/Rambo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATJk2ZWppw0/WF165p7XAZI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/bdO-1H8bQ5UT5gXL5wLR-MdoJrCRon4mwCLcB/s320/Rambo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-3478176998719574232016-12-19T21:58:00.000-05:002016-12-19T21:58:15.691-05:0052" Extra__UpdateWe've had so much nice weather lately that I've been flying my 52"s almost every day. All three are dialed in really well and I've got supreme confidence in all of them. We're well past the point of discovery, so now it's just time to enjoy them.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/196046456" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/196046456">52 Extra EXP__Formula EXP</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/196046498" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/196046498">52 Extra EXP__Formula EXP II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/195728523" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/195728523">52 Extra EXP__Just Fly</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/195728451" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/195728451">52 Extra EXP__Effortless</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-80181910183794507832016-12-11T00:39:00.003-05:002016-12-13T23:34:57.758-05:0052" Extra EXP__What To Do With Your Spare HS85MGs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Doc's Disclaimer:</span></strong> Extreme Flight recommends&nbsp;Hitec HS-5087MH Digital HV Premium Metal Gear Micro servos for this plane. Using HS85MGs in this plane is something I took solely upon myself to try.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsI-4wJiJOk/WEmxr8J-AHI/AAAAAAAAIBo/_xMoP6McbYsnRSHIXjQVJ7YooeIZflBeACLcB/s1600/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__BLUE__009%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsI-4wJiJOk/WEmxr8J-AHI/AAAAAAAAIBo/_xMoP6McbYsnRSHIXjQVJ7YooeIZflBeACLcB/s640/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__BLUE__009%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br />Times are tough. A lot of times you just&nbsp;&nbsp;have to use equipment you already have, and pick your plane accordingly. However,&nbsp;&nbsp;most of us have a few <a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/analog-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-85mg-premium-metal-gear-micro-servo/product" target="_blank"><strong>Hitec&nbsp;HS85MG</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>servos laying around. This is a robust and reliable servo that is also reasonably priced.&nbsp; <br /><br />While not the recommended servo for this plane, the HS85MG served many of us extremely well for years in the&nbsp;highly popular 3DHS 51" Slick. A lot of those planes got crashed or just plain wore out,&nbsp;so most of us would like a nice plane to put that gear into. These servos will happily drop right into a brand new Extreme Flight 52" Extra EXP, so I&nbsp;thought it was&nbsp;worth a try.<br /><br />A lot of times $100 or so is enough to keep a project from happening. I was really tight on this&nbsp;one, so I had to save some money somewhere. Being able to use servos I already had made the difference between flying this plane and hanging it up for display.&nbsp;New HS85MGs sell for about $30 apiece, or $120 for a whole plane's worth. If you add to that you won't need a separate BEC,&nbsp; that's another $25 savings.<br /><br />While the&nbsp;recommended servo for the 52 Extra is Hitec' excellent HS5087MH, the specs on the HS85MG are still really good, and judging by how well they performed in our 51" Slicks, I was sure they would be fine in the 52".<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">HS85MG Specifications</h3><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Motor Type:</td><td>3 Pole</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Bearing Type:</td><td>Top Ball Bearing</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Speed (4.8V/6.0V):</td><td>0.16 / 0.14 sec @ 60 deg.</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Torque oz./in. (4.8V/6.0V):</td><td>42 / 49</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Torque kg./cm. (4.8V/6.0V):</td><td>3.0 / 3.5</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Size in Inches:</td><td>1.14 x 0.51 x 1.18</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Size in Millimeters:</td><td>28.96 x 12.95 x 29.97</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Weight ounces:</td><td>0.77</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Weight grams:</td><td>21.83</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LbpCFmiRSs/WEm6bgMS9RI/AAAAAAAAIB8/W9ILg1nQhRY8e5UEkxAvfWrb8LfokxGfwCLcB/s1600/121_1_HS-85MG_Premium_Metal_Gear_Micro_Servo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LbpCFmiRSs/WEm6bgMS9RI/AAAAAAAAIB8/W9ILg1nQhRY8e5UEkxAvfWrb8LfokxGfwCLcB/s320/121_1_HS-85MG_Premium_Metal_Gear_Micro_Servo-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;<strong>The Shout Out</strong><br />First, a big thank you to my friends in the Hitec service department. I tend to be a little bit hard on my equipment, so I rely on them to inspect and repair my high usage and crashed equipment. Generally Hitec inspects and cleans&nbsp;servos at no charge unless you have stripped gears or broken cases. Any time I am not 100% sure&nbsp;of a servo I just send it in, and when I get it back I know it's going to work fine. <br /><br />I generally like to use new servos in any new plane, but for this one I had a handful of HS85Gs in my "serviced" collection. Hitec service has been so good that I confidently put them into a brand new plane with no worries. <br /><br />So, thanks to Hitec service who helped make this project possible.<br /><br /><strong>Servo Arms</strong><br />For this plane I wanted to use&nbsp;<a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Light-Weight-Servo-Arm-125-_p_2277.html" target="_blank">Xcessories Light Weight 1.25" Servo Arms</a> on all surfaces. <br /><br />For the ailerons I used the inner hole on the Xcessories 1.25 arm and ran my end point controls out 125%. This is more throw than I am used to, but I like it this way. Having the additional authority at slower and near stall speeds is extremely useful.&nbsp;My post stall 3D flight has actually improved because of the additional control, and now I am rethinking my set up for all my planes. I will probably turn the aileron throw on my other Extras up a little too, and&nbsp;learn to be a little smoother on the ailerons at speed<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge On All Pictures</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8yeHGB4hiiw/WEm_PLNru7I/AAAAAAAAICM/F_diICDhb6MwOqL3-nQnlU53ZS1cSlLDQCLcB/s1600/Aileron%2BSet%2Bp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8yeHGB4hiiw/WEm_PLNru7I/AAAAAAAAICM/F_diICDhb6MwOqL3-nQnlU53ZS1cSlLDQCLcB/s200/Aileron%2BSet%2Bp.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHQfnsGUExY/WEnFjfg5s3I/AAAAAAAAICk/65KowMQgSEwGEaHB9HGxNaJP1yBFIfM9wCLcB/s1600/Aileron%2BThrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHQfnsGUExY/WEnFjfg5s3I/AAAAAAAAICk/65KowMQgSEwGEaHB9HGxNaJP1yBFIfM9wCLcB/s200/Aileron%2BThrow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Spoilerons</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I added my now customary 25% spoileron mix and this is what it looks like:&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8MEypvOfuw/WEnISLa51XI/AAAAAAAAICw/reXM-8SvyiU8ln4SOdemTi5oR1bBJkb3QCLcB/s1600/Spoileron%2BThrow001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8MEypvOfuw/WEnISLa51XI/AAAAAAAAICw/reXM-8SvyiU8ln4SOdemTi5oR1bBJkb3QCLcB/s400/Spoileron%2BThrow001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>&nbsp;Elevator</strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was really careful with my hinging on this plane. I made sure I could get a full 90 degrees of elevator throw. I was not sure if&nbsp;I could get it all with the arm I&nbsp;had, but it was worth a try. I had to drop the servo down about 1/8" because the servo arm was just <em>barely</em>&nbsp;rubbing on the bottom of the stab a little. It was no big deal ...... I used a small&nbsp;straight edge and Xacto to cut the&nbsp;a straight line.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have not measured the throw yet, but I am satisfied with it! I'm pretty sure there is no more left to get.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmQxnn7mfRg/WEm_SFZUXEI/AAAAAAAAICQ/uXxSq-RNEvU-UdcRYPgY4rmLS6ZrLLVeQCLcB/s1600/Elevator%2BSet%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmQxnn7mfRg/WEm_SFZUXEI/AAAAAAAAICQ/uXxSq-RNEvU-UdcRYPgY4rmLS6ZrLLVeQCLcB/s200/Elevator%2BSet%2BUp.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idsM3J6zhAo/WEnDHNkGu8I/AAAAAAAAICY/VkCOeaCN7E0ZVFhsW6Wl4L1EUzibMjUrgCLcB/s1600/Elevator%2BThrow%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idsM3J6zhAo/WEnDHNkGu8I/AAAAAAAAICY/VkCOeaCN7E0ZVFhsW6Wl4L1EUzibMjUrgCLcB/s200/Elevator%2BThrow%2B001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idsM3J6zhAo/WEnDHNkGu8I/AAAAAAAAICY/VkCOeaCN7E0ZVFhsW6Wl4L1EUzibMjUrgCLcB/s1600/Elevator%2BThrow%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong></strong></a><br /><br /><strong>Rudder</strong><br />For the rudder I really wanted to use an Xessories arm, but we don't have 7/8" arm just yet.<br />I used the small arm from the Hitec PN55709 set instead and it's perfect. I've got my end points turned back just a little and the the rudder almost touches the elevator halves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBJaAq3n4g0/WEnFCs2_xrI/AAAAAAAAICg/fXz5LTk_bJsCaCfzuyxEnht9QoZRxcyNwCEw/s1600/20161208_123754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBJaAq3n4g0/WEnFCs2_xrI/AAAAAAAAICg/fXz5LTk_bJsCaCfzuyxEnht9QoZRxcyNwCEw/s400/20161208_123754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong><span style="font-size: small;">ESC Installation</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size: small;">One really nice benefit of using the 6 volt HS85MGs is that you don't need the extra complication of a separate BEC. Not only does this make for a simpler and cleaner installation, but you save about $25 and a little weight. You just plug the Airboss in, set the timing to high, and go fly it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WXHBzKicZA/WEnHAtwJ94I/AAAAAAAAICs/qdSZKuO01sIsgGtn5ffXXwa04KBGMyRaACLcB/s1600/Power%2BSystem%2B0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WXHBzKicZA/WEnHAtwJ94I/AAAAAAAAICs/qdSZKuO01sIsgGtn5ffXXwa04KBGMyRaACLcB/s400/Power%2BSystem%2B0021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Battery location</strong><br />As always, battery choice is Thunder Power. For this plane we went with 4s 3300 Elite 70C series packs. Power is sick. Running the plane hard I still get 4.5 minutes, and come down with around 15.25 or so volts in the pack. this is a good margin and being nice to the pack pays off with longer lifespan.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RV4LREWXdLk/WEnKMCjQcpI/AAAAAAAAIC8/xmHM18a_3EcgfXnKZyE6-JAhPQ4kiNnjACLcB/s1600/Pack%2BLocation%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RV4LREWXdLk/WEnKMCjQcpI/AAAAAAAAIC8/xmHM18a_3EcgfXnKZyE6-JAhPQ4kiNnjACLcB/s400/Pack%2BLocation%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is where the pack ended up in my other Extra, so here is where I started. So far I think it's dead on where I like it, which is slightly ahead of neutral.<br /><br /><strong>What decals?</strong><br />I love this color&nbsp;scheme so much I didn't want to clutter it up with any decals. Of course, Old Glory will always be on the nose, but outside of that I wanted to keep the plane's appearance clean and pristine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Etp_j6j1uqw/WE2HumMobgI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/mmHWfkmAl0QqYTTwlpLm0hbNbFTDALzOwCLcB/s1600/Z%2BGlamor%2B0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Etp_j6j1uqw/WE2HumMobgI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/mmHWfkmAl0QqYTTwlpLm0hbNbFTDALzOwCLcB/s400/Z%2BGlamor%2B0003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sc6pu-_wxc/WE2HtNRUKVI/AAAAAAAAIEE/kr7YzVrmMzoeycLJJLiNn3bBKQXJGz8KgCLcB/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sc6pu-_wxc/WE2HtNRUKVI/AAAAAAAAIEE/kr7YzVrmMzoeycLJJLiNn3bBKQXJGz8KgCLcB/s200/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_066.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZblUBGes5U/WE2HrpYoXZI/AAAAAAAAIEA/VzqeduGvW6gyBXqUauL3DHHBpOJnl4VtQCLcB/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZblUBGes5U/WE2HrpYoXZI/AAAAAAAAIEA/VzqeduGvW6gyBXqUauL3DHHBpOJnl4VtQCLcB/s200/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_069.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WSQh6GNNdw/WE2HtdWQeAI/AAAAAAAAIEM/vLKGsN7OEtMEiF3jaqRb52eDv15Mm-loACLcB/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WSQh6GNNdw/WE2HtdWQeAI/AAAAAAAAIEM/vLKGsN7OEtMEiF3jaqRb52eDv15Mm-loACLcB/s400/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmiAJYaywr0/WE2HvPbwMlI/AAAAAAAAIEU/1dcNfbUnYVcK5A0rgKbucSeCa1-32gPoQCLcB/s1600/Z%2BGlamor%2B0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmiAJYaywr0/WE2HvPbwMlI/AAAAAAAAIEU/1dcNfbUnYVcK5A0rgKbucSeCa1-32gPoQCLcB/s200/Z%2BGlamor%2B0002.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1X19UDk8Po/WE2HtC24PnI/AAAAAAAAIEI/XUKSFapMo58h2vAD8Q49vL3OLbIz1svkACLcB/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1X19UDk8Po/WE2HtC24PnI/AAAAAAAAIEI/XUKSFapMo58h2vAD8Q49vL3OLbIz1svkACLcB/s200/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_086.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">FLYING</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/195147664" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/195147664">52 Extra EXP__Testing With Hitec HS85MG Servos</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />&nbsp;</div>As of this writing, I only have three flights on the plane, but I am delighted with it. I don't seem to get any stalling or blowback at high speed, and the plane just feels really good. I did a few high speed walls and parachutes, and the servos were up to the job every time. At full speed with full aileron deflection, I have no hope of keeping up with it for more than a roll or two, so there is no stalling or blowback here either. The servos just do their job, and while that sounds matter of fact, it's actually a jolly good thing.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/195147631" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/195147631">52 Extra EXP Introducing The Hand</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />While the HS5087MH is a faster, stronger servo, there is still a lot of life in the HS85MG and I think they are probably fine for this plane. They are fine at least for the way I fly them. The HS85MG has served us so well in the 51" Slick and other planes that I have no concerns about their reliability at all. In fact, these have always been so reliable that I use them confidently.<br /><br />We hope to be shooting lots of video with this plane soon, so keep an eye on the blog.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/195379581" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/195379581">52 Extra EXP__More Hitec 85MG Testing</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kls5Qu7u60Q/WEmxuOKJcfI/AAAAAAAAIBs/h9rxROpDWpc1rrJchALQdDkk0UH9OctCQCLcB/s1600/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__BLUE__010%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kls5Qu7u60Q/WEmxuOKJcfI/AAAAAAAAIBs/h9rxROpDWpc1rrJchALQdDkk0UH9OctCQCLcB/s400/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__BLUE__010%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-14792671541685061162016-11-19T12:02:00.000-05:002017-02-23T09:39:04.329-05:00Championship Throwdown: The King Of Badass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw0NfTAbUEY/WDB2sZRDyQI/AAAAAAAAIAs/TwnsMRmSVzo7CasbMNF5CqRZD1ODwPjYgCLcB/s1600/3000%2BX%2B1688%2BThunder%2BPower%2BTemplates__0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw0NfTAbUEY/WDB2sZRDyQI/AAAAAAAAIAs/TwnsMRmSVzo7CasbMNF5CqRZD1ODwPjYgCLcB/s640/3000%2BX%2B1688%2BThunder%2BPower%2BTemplates__0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Or, more correctly, have we just seen "badass" redefined? For years the Extreme Flight&nbsp;48" MXS has been the undisputed king of badass in four foot class planes. This has become a little less clear with the arrival of the new Extreme Flight 52" Extra. <br /><br /><strong>The Contender</strong><br />With it's explosive&nbsp;1068 watt Xpwr 3910 motor and use of Hitec's superb HS5087MH 8.0 volt&nbsp;servos, the 52" Extra presents a serious new challenge to the now six year old MXS in the hardcore 3DXA sweepstakes. The new Extra is big and light, overpowered with huge control surfaces and servos that simply refuse to stall or blow back. The Extra has the control authority and brute force power you need for extreme aerobatics, with maybe even some left over.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31ziHicvZwQ/WDB0cCWYrVI/AAAAAAAAIAg/aQM0RA8GGU8uiBezBYo6EbSBxtOdfr6PgCLcB/s1600/20161118_123104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31ziHicvZwQ/WDB0cCWYrVI/AAAAAAAAIAg/aQM0RA8GGU8uiBezBYo6EbSBxtOdfr6PgCLcB/s400/20161118_123104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Top speed of the 52" Extra is deceptive because the 3910 is a comparatively quiet motor. Instead of screaming like the&nbsp;2814 motor used in the MXS, the Extra's 3910 appears to run at a lower RMP, but that's just a guess. I say this because it just sounds like that. The motor is certainly not working very hard and that&nbsp;mutes the&nbsp;<em>appearance </em>of speed.&nbsp; Funny how sound can affect something visual, but then again, that's why we like <em>loud</em> racecars. You only have to fly it by at full throttle really close one time and that notion is shattered. This plane covers ground as quickly as the MXS, even if it doesn't quite seem like it.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/192212673" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;">52 Extra EXP__Secret Testing 11-18-16 from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />The&nbsp;power of the 3910 makes the 52" Extra truly badass in punch out or any other vertical maneuver. Right now the 52" Extra stands alone in my fleet for time to altitude. The only plane I have ever seen rival the 52" Extra's rate of climb&nbsp; was when I put a 3910 in my MXS.<br /><br />As always, the Extra's precision manners are it's strong suit. Like any strong attribute though, there is a price to pay in the form of compromise. The Extra is so stable and locked in that you have to work a little harder get crazy stupid tumbles out of it. It's just not that kind of plane, and to me it's really too nice to treat that way anyway.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/192247900" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/192247900">52 Extra EXP__Secret Testing II__ 11-18-16</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">This 52" Extra is certainly a very worthy challenger, especially in view of the fact that Extras are generally not considered to be super badass airframes. In the end, the Extra's challenge to become the king of badass falls just a little bit short, but it is remarkable just how badass the Extra&nbsp;truly&nbsp;is when you consider that&nbsp;it's not really <em>intended</em> to be that kind of plane. It's smooth, stable and reassuring to fly, and while it is fast and capable, it's just not scary enough to take the crown from the undisputed champion.&nbsp; This is good because the MXS is just badass enough that the average guy will want something a little less intense. The 52" Extra&nbsp;is <em>not supposed to be</em>&nbsp;as bad ass as the MXS.&nbsp; The Extra EXP in all the sizes I have flown it in&nbsp;are solid and&nbsp;confidence inspiring, and <strong>that</strong> is how this plane is <em><u>supposed</u></em> to be. </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em><u>The Extra has always been the plane the average guy can pick up and excel with instantly&nbsp;and the new 52" Extra probably doe</u></em></strong><strong><em><u>s this better than any Extra I have ever flown.</u></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Still, with all that insane power and control authority, this is the baddest Extra yet. While it's strong suits have&nbsp;shifted a little more toward wild than other Extra EXPs, it's still a reasonable balance and very much Extra-ish. It's just the baddest Extra yet, and as a big fan of Extras (if not even a little bit weird for them) I heartily recommend this plane. This recommendation is also based on the fact that these were the cleanest and&nbsp;easiest builds I have ever experienced, and especially for the newer guys, assembling the 52" will be a really sweet experience.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><strong>Still The Champion Of Bad Ass</strong><br />The MXS remains as fearsome a beast&nbsp;as ever, though now I am flying it with Hitec HS5070MH servos on ailerons and rudder, and an HSD5087MH on the elevator. Running on 8.0 volts from a castle 10 Amp BEC, this combination also has enough speed and power that stalling and blowback are never an issue with this plane either. Good servos cost more money, but only because they are worth it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQwBdw6nq_g/WDBz1qupWGI/AAAAAAAAIAc/s6JwW5ndCjgAU8azaervLjDlHppcRtvyQCLcB/s1600/20161118_125823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQwBdw6nq_g/WDBz1qupWGI/AAAAAAAAIAc/s6JwW5ndCjgAU8azaervLjDlHppcRtvyQCLcB/s400/20161118_125823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Flying the MXS and Extra back-to-back on a beautiful day, I became pretty brave and started hammering the MXS lot harder. As you can see in the first video,<em>&nbsp; </em>I dove a bit harder into the pull up for&nbsp;pop tops and changed the timing a little. As you can see, what used to&nbsp; a gentle maneuver has turned quite violent, just by searching for that little bit extra.<br /><br />What makes the MXS snap, tumble and spin so well is it's shorter tail moment. This is the distance between the wing and horizontal stabilizer. A longer moment (as seen on the Extra)&nbsp;generally aids in pitch stability, while a shorter moment (as seen on the MXS) gives the plane more pitch authority and the ability to wad itself up tighter in wild snaps and tumbles. Either way, you gain something and you give up something, and the big advances in the last few years of airframe development has centered around getting more and giving up less. Now the planes are more closely balanced in all aspects of performance, but everything else being equal, a shorter moment is going to give you a more agile plane.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/192251439" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/192251439">MXS EXP__Bad Attitude VII</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />In the past I have not flown the MXS quite this hard because, first, you can make a mistake and drive it into the ground, and second, the EXPs are just too&nbsp;nice to abuse that way. Still, we were here to determine the world championship for badass&nbsp;48" class airframes, so there was no tomorrow and we didn't want to leave anything in the ring.<br /><em></em><br />I also changed up my snap timing, and you will see in the second video, I was also putting as much force as I could find into it. This involved deep full throttle downlines to build speed and momentum, and forgoing the usual nose up attitude entering a tumble that acts as a safety buffer. Basically, I just threw caution to the wind and came out swinging, and the MXS responded. There are two tumbles in the second video that cross the border of sanity and go straight into stupidity. After the flight there was nothing for anyone to say except to just laugh it off. That was the only appropriate response!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/192251527" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/192251527">MXS EXP__Bad Attitude VIII</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />A big thanks to Hitec for making the lineup of MH mini and micro servos. For really extreme aerobatics, the time tested HS65MG was starting to become highly stressed. Remember, the HS65MG was designed at the time we were flying the 45" Extra 300E on 3s 15C&nbsp;packs, and no one could envision the power system, battery and airframe&nbsp;performance leap we would see in the next ten years. <br /><br />The new lineup of upcoming 52" airframes will probably use the new HS5087MH servos, so for the MXS and other 48" EXPs to keep the pace of performance, Hitec's MH servos are going to be essential in these planes. The only drawback to using these servos is that you need a 7.4-8.0 volt power source for the servos, but my contacts deep in the Extreme Flight empire are telling me an 8.0 volt Airboss ESC is a distinct future&nbsp;possibility. For now I am running that standard Airboss 45 ESC with a Castle 10 Amp BEC, and that works just fine, even if I hate the extra complication.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTQD94h6axo/WDCToWXbboI/AAAAAAAAIBU/4FRo-18SXqo3jQM5JPhrO-6QyeKr6-lqACLcB/s1600/20161118_125819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTQD94h6axo/WDCToWXbboI/AAAAAAAAIBU/4FRo-18SXqo3jQM5JPhrO-6QyeKr6-lqACLcB/s320/20161118_125819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Nail</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">While the MXS retains the badass crown, the 52" Extra could just as easily be said to have retained the smooth, stable and reassuring crown. They are simply two different, though similar types of planes. Chris and Ben have worked tirelessly to eliminate any flying performance compromises, and while they have come pretty close, different airplanes are always going to have an advantage in one area or another over each other. Now the differences are much more subtle, l but more importantly all of these planes are becoming easier to fly and easier to look good with. </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">The MXS remains the king of badass, because it was meant to be. The Extra remains the best performance balanced airframe on the market, because it was meant to be. The bare knuckle cage fight we just put these two planes through only serves to illustrate how balanced the yin and yang of the Extreme Flight world really is</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHmd_PAnowk/WDCFSOs2GxI/AAAAAAAAIBA/Eetk3x2uYaE4g6_-k-s3DDGCSPZZfKWWwCLcB/s1600/TP_MXS%2BEXP__Red__013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHmd_PAnowk/WDCFSOs2GxI/AAAAAAAAIBA/Eetk3x2uYaE4g6_-k-s3DDGCSPZZfKWWwCLcB/s640/TP_MXS%2BEXP__Red__013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xb6XLVm1Ko4/WDCFSlJwB_I/AAAAAAAAIBE/-JeMrBVk12wbxrrjWu3-ZzVcCpwte9CPgCLcB/s1600/zzzzTP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__RED__008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xb6XLVm1Ko4/WDCFSlJwB_I/AAAAAAAAIBE/-JeMrBVk12wbxrrjWu3-ZzVcCpwte9CPgCLcB/s640/zzzzTP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__RED__008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTTB3YE2ixo/WJ8mTFs7DMI/AAAAAAAAIRM/-qGrUrREKWogMXTmRnL_poa1MgO56AvDQCLcB/s1600/zzzzEF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTTB3YE2ixo/WJ8mTFs7DMI/AAAAAAAAIRM/-qGrUrREKWogMXTmRnL_poa1MgO56AvDQCLcB/s640/zzzzEF%2BTemplate__Black%2BLetters__0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTUc61_kAaQ/WK7z_0nD2-I/AAAAAAAAISs/JA_QFZUIwMwc4IQ8cQ6zRirfdOdBtCFeACLcB/s1600/EF%2BMXS%2BArtwork%2B023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTUc61_kAaQ/WK7z_0nD2-I/AAAAAAAAISs/JA_QFZUIwMwc4IQ8cQ6zRirfdOdBtCFeACLcB/s640/EF%2BMXS%2BArtwork%2B023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-67914451056578770042016-11-18T09:37:00.002-05:002016-11-19T09:10:22.912-05:0048" Extra EXP: You can't have enough Extras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXPUgMWWfik/WDBdN3WT94I/AAAAAAAAIAM/osjt1XsoToYvJCL6mAoJWNgCekRwbipxgCLcB/s1600/TP_Extra%2BEXP_Blue__001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXPUgMWWfik/WDBdN3WT94I/AAAAAAAAIAM/osjt1XsoToYvJCL6mAoJWNgCekRwbipxgCLcB/s640/TP_Extra%2BEXP_Blue__001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I've been flying the fabulous new 52" Extra EXP so much that my beloved 48" Extra hasn't been getting much love. I corrected that yesterday by running six packs through it on a beautiful day. This is still the same 48" Extra that, for me,&nbsp;redefined what an airplane should be. While the 52" Extra is the next step forward, the 48" is still good enough that I want to continue flying mine, and maybe add a red to the stable. You can't have enough Extras.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/192076201" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">Extra EXP__Unspecified Huckola 001 from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/192076241" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/192076241">Extra EXP__Unspecified Huckola 002</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><br /><br /><strong>BONUS 60"&nbsp;YAK FOOTAGE</strong><br />There's not going to be much text here.&nbsp;Just catching up on a bunch of sport video we shot this week. The weather is simply superb, so we have been taking advantage of it every day.<br /><br />&nbsp;The 60" Yak just doesn't get flown often enough and it's always a joyful experience to fly that plane. We got a couple of reasonable videos out of it, but I was really just flying or fun and not playing to the camera.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/191721080" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/191721080">Yak EXP__Return Of The Big Dog</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><span lang="">Something newish for my 60" Yak is the "Oz Mod" cowling insert. It's 3D printed, and mine is painted with Testors Model Master Metalizer Magnesium paint. It seems like a nice contrast and bright enough to show off the detail. <a href="https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=36213936&amp;postcount=2010" target="_blank">You can get the Oz Mod here. </a><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang=""><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click On All Pictures To&nbsp;&nbsp;Enlarge</span></strong></span></div><span lang=""></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoRUyqqJ3ho/WC6SkzxM6HI/AAAAAAAAH_g/s_srkOU6eDkvQehRn7m4dfW9VvngPeF7gCLcB/s1600/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoRUyqqJ3ho/WC6SkzxM6HI/AAAAAAAAH_g/s_srkOU6eDkvQehRn7m4dfW9VvngPeF7gCLcB/s400/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__067.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gToZ4fAgg2Y/WC6SerTUtWI/AAAAAAAAH_c/aeGyPVPq79MR0hfmhW-TKDJDl1npUnGEACLcB/s1600/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gToZ4fAgg2Y/WC6SerTUtWI/AAAAAAAAH_c/aeGyPVPq79MR0hfmhW-TKDJDl1npUnGEACLcB/s200/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__070.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVDMKkbUm5E/WC6So2u8axI/AAAAAAAAH_o/zQNkBjhmu9I8uwseFRatbWigU5XukqQqgCLcB/s1600/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVDMKkbUm5E/WC6So2u8axI/AAAAAAAAH_o/zQNkBjhmu9I8uwseFRatbWigU5XukqQqgCLcB/s200/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__071.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DRM6NXGilc/WC6SojmwnrI/AAAAAAAAH_k/oSsbFnvvykEXcAA5LL1mPh29aXSLDNE1QCLcB/s1600/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DRM6NXGilc/WC6SojmwnrI/AAAAAAAAH_k/oSsbFnvvykEXcAA5LL1mPh29aXSLDNE1QCLcB/s320/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1qM_po69bM/WC6Sx8eqAOI/AAAAAAAAH_s/ftoEoAPrMKM93hu-i5-7sRes-dqOySo1ACLcB/s1600/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1qM_po69bM/WC6Sx8eqAOI/AAAAAAAAH_s/ftoEoAPrMKM93hu-i5-7sRes-dqOySo1ACLcB/s640/Yellow%2BYak%2BGlamor__075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/191737671" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><a href="https://vimeo.com/191737671">Yak EXP__Return Of The Big Dog II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yqdn9wB8Ts/WC8SKPp6OAI/AAAAAAAAH_8/yeIGMindB_8qyLKQd6pT4K3wZYGLy7BRACLcB/s1600/Hitec%2BExtra__%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yqdn9wB8Ts/WC8SKPp6OAI/AAAAAAAAH_8/yeIGMindB_8qyLKQd6pT4K3wZYGLy7BRACLcB/s400/Hitec%2BExtra__%2B002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>.Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-21360592389081115472016-11-09T00:40:00.001-05:002016-11-19T20:58:22.120-05:00Extreme Flight 52" Extra EXP Is The Truth: UPDATE<strong>First, a hearty thank you to our readers in Russia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Spain and Italy! Thank you so much for your support, and please tell your friends about my blog.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mucjNO9HXqc/WCqqq-4om9I/AAAAAAAAH_M/B2Cs_KT37AoVdJweXtspxxPcf9wJucXFQCLcB/s1600/zzzzTP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__RED__008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mucjNO9HXqc/WCqqq-4om9I/AAAAAAAAH_M/B2Cs_KT37AoVdJweXtspxxPcf9wJucXFQCLcB/s640/zzzzTP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP__RED__008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is a video update of the adventures of my 52" Extra EXPs. I'm having so much fun flying these planes that I'm going to save myself a lot of work by updating this blog article daily instead of writing new articles every day.&nbsp; I'm saving up my writing savvy for the upcoming 48" Demonstrator.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>UPDATE: November 14, 2016</strong><br />We had a rough spell with the weather, but now it's calmed down real nice. I had a chance to try a Xoar 15/6 propeller on my red 52" Extra and the difference in 3D ability and control was evident right away. I gave up a little top end speed, but the bigger prop blows more air over the controls when the plane is stalled. This provides more&nbsp;control surface response, so you can really drag this plane around very slowly. It 3Ds much better with the 15" prop.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/191401498" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/191401498">52 Extra EXP__.Like A Glove</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>..</div><br /><strong>UPDATE: November 9, 2016</strong><br />A great day for America, and a great day to be flying such great&nbsp;American products. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190949579" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/190949579">52 Extra EXP__Another Great Day In America</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190959760" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/190959760">52 Extra EXP__Aother Great Day In America II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><strong>November 8, 2016:&nbsp; </strong><span data-offset-key="1pcvb-0-0"><span data-text="true"><strong>The truth is out there and it's the 52" Extra EXP</strong></span></span><br />People have a lot of differing opinions on&nbsp;3D Xtreme Aerobatics (3DXA) &nbsp;flying, and especially 3DXA planes, which designs and which manufacturers are best. The truth, though is always in the flying, and the Extra EXP in all it's sizes is <em><strong>the truth</strong></em>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">All Pictures Click To Enlarge</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOqs1LZ0elQ/WCOcZmqi5AI/AAAAAAAAH-0/7yI292hd4cEpSAl0J0zCE7Yacy--d0nnwCLcB/s1600/20161109_140659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOqs1LZ0elQ/WCOcZmqi5AI/AAAAAAAAH-0/7yI292hd4cEpSAl0J0zCE7Yacy--d0nnwCLcB/s200/20161109_140659.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D5LopOHCQA/WCOcX3oPVCI/AAAAAAAAH-w/kiPhL6VavpIBjPK1jhKAiqe3ACrYmIZzgCLcB/s1600/20161109_140735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D5LopOHCQA/WCOcX3oPVCI/AAAAAAAAH-w/kiPhL6VavpIBjPK1jhKAiqe3ACrYmIZzgCLcB/s200/20161109_140735.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />I have to plead guilty to being an Extra man, but only because of the way they look and they way they fly. Everything an Extra does, that's the way an airplane should do it. The Extra EXP&nbsp;is the gold standard. Rather reprint what I have written over and over about the virtues of Extras, I have consolidated my observations about these planes on <strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/10/wierd-for-extraspassion-meets-pragmatism.html" target="_blank">Wierd For Extras__Passion Meets Pragmatism </a></strong><br /><br />The 52" Extra is much the same as the 48" and 60" Extra EXPs, though I think the 52" flies even lighter than the 60, which is hard to believe. Traditionally Extras give up a little bit of 3D ability in exchange for better precision manners, but the 52" doesn't give up anything to any other plane that I can see. The 52" seems to fly so light that it does 3D as well as any of my other EXPs. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190808904" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/190808904">52 Extra EXP__Truth In Flying 001</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_b-VeK15e74/WCNDxpFxnmI/AAAAAAAAH-c/4Er532qH9tw2SEP19sfA7DH64p0k-oF-ACLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_b-VeK15e74/WCNDxpFxnmI/AAAAAAAAH-c/4Er532qH9tw2SEP19sfA7DH64p0k-oF-ACLcB/s640/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MY9t_p-wx0/WCNDy8-9x_I/AAAAAAAAH-g/ijerSB80j7Ec4Dju3jcQ5ZaSnA2bMu3pACLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MY9t_p-wx0/WCNDy8-9x_I/AAAAAAAAH-g/ijerSB80j7Ec4Dju3jcQ5ZaSnA2bMu3pACLcB/s200/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0021.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARljWdu8YTY/WCNDwRGrWiI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/WVfAhQ53NKUBU1MSbdXwseejKTfxDSEPwCLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARljWdu8YTY/WCNDwRGrWiI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/WVfAhQ53NKUBU1MSbdXwseejKTfxDSEPwCLcB/s200/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YclTWEDxxpQ/WCNDpC8mOJI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/SOGf1v_fVK8HBcyUrwDywiZONaYajWGJgCLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YclTWEDxxpQ/WCNDpC8mOJI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/SOGf1v_fVK8HBcyUrwDywiZONaYajWGJgCLcB/s200/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0018.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Dm_256IVs/WCNDqiASYiI/AAAAAAAAH-U/InlOJzk8qaIvM5ap_cOcDX-TLTmbcTTdwCLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Dm_256IVs/WCNDqiASYiI/AAAAAAAAH-U/InlOJzk8qaIvM5ap_cOcDX-TLTmbcTTdwCLcB/s200/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0020.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div>We finally got a decent day to fly the Extra! My first flight was by far the best of the day, but I was just warming up and we didn't shoot video. However, in the calm air everything clicked superbly, and now I realize I've never flown this plane in even marginally acceptable conditions. It's so good in bad conditions I&nbsp;wasn't really even aware how bad the winds have been was until I got to fly it in calm air!<br /><br />I had not taken time to get the CG, low rate,&nbsp;or trim perfect because it's been&nbsp;just too gusty,&nbsp; but today&nbsp;I added one click of up and it's perfect. CG remains where I started, which is on the front of the wing tube. That's where I like both my 48" and 60" Extra EXPs, and my Extra SHP too, so it seemed like&nbsp;a good place to start and ended up being a good place to settle in. With better conditions I will be able to dial it in better, but it's really close now.<br /><br />I ended up missing my low aileron a bit and had too much, but it was only off 4% off. For a brand new design I had never flown, that a pretty good guess!<br /><br />Flying Thunder Power's badass 4s 3300 Rampage 70C pack, here is where my battery ended up......<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4q7T0iZWsQ/WCJ8XEt3s5I/AAAAAAAAH-A/d3k1HDu4lGc4X6A4GvH20wqgRecjvp_CgCLcB/s1600/20161108_195342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4q7T0iZWsQ/WCJ8XEt3s5I/AAAAAAAAH-A/d3k1HDu4lGc4X6A4GvH20wqgRecjvp_CgCLcB/s400/20161108_195342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Running a Xoar 14/7 propeller, I've got my timer set for 4.5 minutes, and like this I am coming down with an average of 15.25 volts, which still leaves a&nbsp;decent margin&nbsp;in the pack. I can either add 30 seconds to the timer or go up to either a 14/8 or 15.7 prop, but for now I've got plenty of power and no reason to make it any harder on the power system and battery.&nbsp; I have a 15/6 I am planning to try, and it will be interesting to see how much that Extra inch of prop helps with 3D. The Extra is already pretty righteous in post stall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the beginning the 3910 has delivered monster amounts of power while running smooth and cool. I've actually had more power and speed than I needed, so propping down allows me to still have big power but takes considerable stress of the whole power system.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>I need one more flight off camera to piddle with my KE mixes because I missed by a percentage point or so, but that was a pretty good guess. It was just hard to tell in bad conditions.<br /><br />Unfortunately the winds rolled back in for the flights we got on&nbsp; video, but it was nowhere near as bad as previous days. It was actually quite acceptable, though we still had 10 mph wind to 15mph gusts. Still, the plane surprised me with how good it is in precision point and slow rolls when you aren't flying in a 20 mph crosswind! I've also recently rediscovered the Double Immelman maneuver, which this plane tracks through superbly. You need to have perfect loop tracking to make&nbsp;that maneuver look good, and once again the Extra's&nbsp; smooth precision manners carry the day. There is one Double Immelman&nbsp;on each video I believe. It's a very impressive move when you hit it right.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190816849" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/190816849">52 Extra EXP__Truth In Flying 002</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><strong>Novemeber 7, 2016:</strong><br />Still horrible conditions. It's still a little warm, but the big issue is high wind gusts. It's border line go-home kind of weather, but since I've got one of my camera guys on hand, we're shooting. The Extra flies really well even in the high gusts, but I have to leave myself a big margin. I like this plane too much to tear it up when it's too rough to be out there anyway.<br /><br />These have been previously published on RCG and Facebook.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190484770" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/190484770">Extra 52 EXP__Love And Tragedy</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190485115" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/190485115">Extra 52 EXP__Love And Tragedy II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-5947547960249068672016-10-31T15:30:00.003-04:002016-11-04T13:51:17.414-04:0052" Extra EXP__Flight Test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsgpIEnI90s/WBa58O_c6hI/AAAAAAAAH4c/XKzS2dASVm4nIYXwilmUbkBo-qPsCHTEwCLcB/s1600/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsgpIEnI90s/WBa58O_c6hI/AAAAAAAAH4c/XKzS2dASVm4nIYXwilmUbkBo-qPsCHTEwCLcB/s640/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was probably looking forward to this plane too much, which made the wait even more painful. Add to that a nasty bout of the flu, and I didn't get to fly mine until two weeks after I got it. Like all really good things, though, this plane was definitely worth the wait.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As chronicled in <a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2016/10/52-extra-expsynergistic-integration.html" target="_blank"><strong>52" Extra EXP__Synergistic Integration</strong></a>, this is probably the nicest plane I have ever built. So many little things that take up building time were already done. Servo holes were cut and<em> pre-drilled, </em>and all the holes in the covering for wing tube, wing retention tabs, anti rotation pins, holes for SFG bolts, and on and on were all precut. You could almost build this plane without using a hobby knife! The only time I used a drill was for the cowling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The level of prefabrication is so extreme that these two Extras were probably the easiest builds I have ever done. I was able to concentrate on the important things like getting the tail on straight and hinging perfect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge On All Pictures</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"></span></strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z37l69cPeoo/WBa95aGfPTI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/7jWk4MUziPEQ_NdAzeYcX6qf6n4XClxwACLcB/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z37l69cPeoo/WBa95aGfPTI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/7jWk4MUziPEQ_NdAzeYcX6qf6n4XClxwACLcB/s400/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jndTisImDec/WBa9VNvKYuI/AAAAAAAAH5E/0sj72DsCPJkvDEBCCLkK4BEa6JGI6gBQQCLcB/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jndTisImDec/WBa9VNvKYuI/AAAAAAAAH5E/0sj72DsCPJkvDEBCCLkK4BEa6JGI6gBQQCLcB/s200/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAuhzo2djOg/WBa9WDX5pkI/AAAAAAAAH5I/VGKixxLiDhwia8lOQAb-q5a89pGncVHQgCLcB/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAuhzo2djOg/WBa9WDX5pkI/AAAAAAAAH5I/VGKixxLiDhwia8lOQAb-q5a89pGncVHQgCLcB/s200/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_002.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After building a few EXPs, you know the method. Once had my hands on the plane, it was so familiar that I completely forgot to consult the manual and just started building it. Everything was instinctual. All four pushrods were the same length, and the servo holes were pre-cut and pre-drilled, so it would be hard to get wrong even if you tried.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once I saw the red, I ordered a blue right away. Since the weather was so bad and I was still not feeling my best,&nbsp;flying was out of the question, so I took three full days building the blue as slowly as I could. I enjoy building anyway, but working with such a premium kit and as much time as I needed was a real luxury. I probably enjoyed this build more than any plane I have ever owned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCCpRwp-nDs/WBeOL7v1j3I/AAAAAAAAH6Q/fyF39ktaLxQsOiUAAY3zH_RK0mpmtsXZgCLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCCpRwp-nDs/WBeOL7v1j3I/AAAAAAAAH6Q/fyF39ktaLxQsOiUAAY3zH_RK0mpmtsXZgCLcB/s200/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0009.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtNL5eaYha8/WBeONjXEimI/AAAAAAAAH6U/g6w4T_E9MjstGm2hrOuDBCltd5p-iTLWgCLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtNL5eaYha8/WBeONjXEimI/AAAAAAAAH6U/g6w4T_E9MjstGm2hrOuDBCltd5p-iTLWgCLcB/s200/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpUbs_cmv5o/WBeOHppAD4I/AAAAAAAAH6M/95cjHmX5eocOFXtp0vQ3ka2ByxxqWCkPwCLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpUbs_cmv5o/WBeOHppAD4I/AAAAAAAAH6M/95cjHmX5eocOFXtp0vQ3ka2ByxxqWCkPwCLcB/s320/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa1GRRu_TrE/WBeOOSyvPWI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/udIHaCOSuOIfmv7VSry7fw3p82RLXdwBgCLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa1GRRu_TrE/WBeOOSyvPWI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/udIHaCOSuOIfmv7VSry7fw3p82RLXdwBgCLcB/s640/52%2BExtra%2BGlamor%2B0022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">FLYING</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Instinctual" also applies to the Extra's flying. My overriding thought is that it's just an Extra.&nbsp; This is <em><strong>not</strong></em> a dismissive observation, in fact, that is the most glowing praise I can put on a plane. It looks like and Extra, and it flies like an Extra, which are the two things I most absolutely adore about Extras.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So far I haven't been able to fly one of these planes in anything less than 20mph winds, but both planes handled it extremely well. Both times I had a dead 90 degree crosswind, so the conditions were very close to un-flyable. Still, years of flying EXPs gave me the confidence to just go do it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everything I have said about previous Extra EXPs applies to this one, though it does have a bit of it's own character. While the Extra's precision manners remain unchanged, it's 3D ability has been improved. This one seems to be easier to 3D than either the 48 "or 60" and I attribute some of this to the planes lightness and excess power. The plane just feels lighter, even lighter and more powerful than the 60" EXP. Some of this could be lift from the high wind, though it still felt very light even going downwind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/189562754" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/189562754">Extra 52 EXP__Synergistic Integration</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I did not measure it, the elevator looks like it is a larger percentage of the tail on the 48" Extra. The pitch authority on the 48" is still very, very good, and only extreme nut cases would want more. Still, it's fun to have, and the 52", even running only about 65 degrees, has more pitch authority than the others. It's almost like a 48" MXS, which considering the long,&nbsp;stability inducing tail moment, is quite impressive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Precision maneuvers are smooth and easy. The plane tracks like an Extra, so no surprise there either. With that 90 degree crosswind trying to push the plane out,&nbsp;you might think slow rolls would be difficult, but the plane tracks so well it was not a big problem. Still, my slow rolls on a calm day are better, but considering the conditions the 52" was extremely solid.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9DAKJMoSlw/WBa94XAVovI/AAAAAAAAH5U/1XdJvJsBxIwrfk87KeKcL_e5FHfa8oSigCEw/s1600/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9DAKJMoSlw/WBa94XAVovI/AAAAAAAAH5U/1XdJvJsBxIwrfk87KeKcL_e5FHfa8oSigCEw/s640/Extra%2B52%2BBlue__Glamor_005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You might notice I pull a couple of stall turns in the video. Stalled and turning in a crosswind is a bad combination, but the extra tracked through those really, really well. You can see the plane come to a dead stop, hover almost, and with full rudder and a slight application of throttle, the big prop blows so much air over the rudder the plane simply pivots on the center of the wing tube an heads straight down and coming back opposite the way you went it. Generally 3D planes have so much post stall control authority that they do good stall turns, but the Extra also continues to track well, even in bad conditions. This plane stall turns about as well&nbsp;as a 0.60 Currare pattern plane, which is saying something.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">This ability to pivot on the rudder so well shows up even stronger in harrier turns. You just pick the nose up, hammer the rudder with a little opposite aileron and give it some juice. The plane just spins around. </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/189562819" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/189562819">Extra 52 EXP__Synergistic Integration II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><br />Notably absent from both of my Extras is a spoileron mix. I wanted to fly the plane and learn it's character before I reported using a mix other people might not want to put in. So far, I don't see a need for a spoileron mix because the plane's manners are quite impeccable. Generally I use a spoileron mix to counter sloppy pilot inducing wing rock, but this Extra harriers so well I didn't miss having the mix. The other place a spoileron mix is useful is making the plane drop absolutely dead&nbsp;straight down in an elevator maneuver. As you can see in the first video, the 52" doesn't need any help there either.<br /><br />To sum up the flying, the 52" is everything I love about the 48" Extra, with improved 3D ability and power to weight ratio. Essentially everything on the plane s bigger and produces more lift, without sacrificing much added weight. Like this it's going to fly lighter and 3D better, and with the bad ass 3910 torqueing the prop over with authority, the whole package is peaked out all the way around. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/189562898" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/189562898">Extra 52 EXP__Synergistic Integration III</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>NAIL</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being so comfortable so instantly with a brand new size of plane is a really good sign. I've been flying the 48" Extra EXP for just about six years now, and I know the plane inside and out. I'm very, very early in my relationship with the 52" Extra, and I am sure there is still a long way to go before I learn to get the most out it. The fact that I am so at home with both of my 52" Extras&nbsp;after only five flights grand total only speaks to how well sorted and developed the entire package is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This plane is a good illustration of what goes into developing a complete product. The plane and power system are perfectly balanced and built around servos that are slightly overkill. This gives the plane room to remain relevant when power system and&nbsp;battery technology gives us even more performance. I believe if you invest in equipment for the 52" class planes, you will be able to get five or six years out of it before the next big thing comes along and we have another quantum leap in performance. This is probably as much performance as we can get out of a four foot plane with the technology we have available today. Performance alone makes the 52" worth having, but along with using Xessories, the quality of the kit makes the build and entire experience another level of satisfaction</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In short, another&nbsp; ground breaking and landmark achievement for Extreme Flight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Set Up</span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ran out Xcessories&nbsp;arms so I reverted to the trusty Hitec PN55709 arms on the ailerons and rudder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Ailerons</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the&nbsp;small&nbsp;PN55709 arm with the ball link attached to the outer hole and&nbsp;the end points in my transmitter pegged. This is a little more&nbsp;aileron response than I am used to, and you can see that in the few times I over rolled&nbsp;or over snapped the plane. It also shows up in how well the plane still rolls even when it's at nearly zero airspeed.&nbsp;&nbsp;I may dial it back a little or just keep flying it like this and adapt to it.&nbsp; The extra authority is really useful at low speed.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0hnNetfZ64/WBZ11ZAGmOI/AAAAAAAAH38/WalUvW6SIxgLktunaDc4h-KO_HsoAEI7ACLcB/s1600/20161030_182654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0hnNetfZ64/WBZ11ZAGmOI/AAAAAAAAH38/WalUvW6SIxgLktunaDc4h-KO_HsoAEI7ACLcB/s400/20161030_182654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Elevator</strong></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The elevator servo arm is a standard Hitec metal arm that comes with the HS7245MH servo. They are nice arms that fit snugly, but are otherwise useless for 3DXA&nbsp;since they are so short.&nbsp;However, they are perfect for use with the G10 arm. The metal arm is just a little too long and interferes with the ball link, so I ground off the outer hole.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to open the hole in the big hole in the&nbsp;G10 arm&nbsp;a little with an Xacto, then drilled the G10 were you see the bolt. The metal arm is&nbsp;drilled and tapped for 2mm there, so I just spun the bolt into the arm, through the G10 arm, put a nut on the back side and&nbsp;some medium CA on&nbsp;the exposed threads. I ran some thin CA between the two arms and let it wick in, &nbsp;and after that set up I finally I ran a beat of medium CA around the outside. It's <em><strong>never</strong></em> coming apart.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7I7s-hj7sA/WBdMqS1XSjI/AAAAAAAAH58/lOaG1o3p5Tk7Rj2N161pnabJlmxJYNkKQCLcB/s1600/20161021_204453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7I7s-hj7sA/WBdMqS1XSjI/AAAAAAAAH58/lOaG1o3p5Tk7Rj2N161pnabJlmxJYNkKQCLcB/s400/20161021_204453.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is reduced throw compare to my red 52" Extra, but it still pops as hard in parachutes, walls just as hard and doesn't seem to give up any pitch authority. I'm probably going to leave it that way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy8516jsw44/WBZ0t343Y0I/AAAAAAAAH3s/9_i0oOSS86cJzGx4jdFl1alOxjXyURLOQCLcB/s1600/20161030_164916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy8516jsw44/WBZ0t343Y0I/AAAAAAAAH3s/9_i0oOSS86cJzGx4jdFl1alOxjXyURLOQCLcB/s400/20161030_164916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Rudder</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm also going to leave the rudder alone because the it barely hits the elevators with the end points pegged. I backed them off just a little and it's perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26K7YOa13Fo/WBZ0uKqLCSI/AAAAAAAAH3w/wF-uVHbuqsUZgoKY__MNGCGsjPCCgx0DgCLcB/s1600/Rudder%2BSet%2BUp000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26K7YOa13Fo/WBZ0uKqLCSI/AAAAAAAAH3w/wF-uVHbuqsUZgoKY__MNGCGsjPCCgx0DgCLcB/s400/Rudder%2BSet%2BUp000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">BATTERIES</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm still running my Thunder Power Magna 70C&nbsp;packs in my 48s and 55C Lightning packs in my other planes. They have lasted so long that until now I didn't have any of Thunder Power's current lineup of batteries. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q61itxS0-Ew/WBaOHRK3KyI/AAAAAAAAH4M/kdNpa_elhngy2HAExwTb2DOA1sIgkDQRQCLcB/s1600/20161030_164040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q61itxS0-Ew/WBaOHRK3KyI/AAAAAAAAH4M/kdNpa_elhngy2HAExwTb2DOA1sIgkDQRQCLcB/s320/20161030_164040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;Since I needed new packs anyway, this was a good time to try the new 70C Rampage packs. I chose the 4s 3300 packs, and&nbsp;in the picture below you can see where the pack ended up at the end of the day. We were flying in 20mph gusts, and&nbsp;being a little nose heavy in those conditions helps the plane penetrate the&nbsp;wind better and stops the plane from ballooning up. I am sure as I get more time on the plane and in better&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;I will be moving it back.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've only got about three runs on each pack and the give me great punch and run cool. I've got a couple of more packs coming, so it's going to be a big winter for my 52" Extras.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Extra Wallpapers</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3000 X 1688 jpegs suitable for use as wallpapers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuxMnCuSKTY/WBjOrl26JvI/AAAAAAAAH7k/KM3PlG7yadMiV4tDqVwtYt2ct8ISm4oSgCEw/s1600/Extra%2B52__Virgin%2BArtwork__003%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuxMnCuSKTY/WBjOrl26JvI/AAAAAAAAH7k/KM3PlG7yadMiV4tDqVwtYt2ct8ISm4oSgCEw/s400/Extra%2B52__Virgin%2BArtwork__003%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk4vxpwYroQ/WBjOtdP3WlI/AAAAAAAAH7w/ql0IDk1vXsARLC7K6NiyGVdKN8HzHgPTwCEw/s200/Extra%2B52__Virgin%2BArtwork__006%2B.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ4z8cEy6lA/WBa5-SVKE0I/AAAAAAAAH4g/t3LKDzCs--E8ch4x_XOaGBLQjAvDpiDxQCEw/s1600/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ4z8cEy6lA/WBa5-SVKE0I/AAAAAAAAH4g/t3LKDzCs--E8ch4x_XOaGBLQjAvDpiDxQCEw/s640/TP%2B52%2BExtra%2BEXP_008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-26604670842111819832016-10-18T18:42:00.000-04:002016-11-06T09:41:57.757-05:0052" Extra EXP__Synergistic Integration<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"></span></u><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em>&nbsp;</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2lhV0KaQBA/WAAGSNxPwvI/AAAAAAAAHsI/ToDwfyhtgmkjSx0PeVTMLgbIY3sz6aZ1gCLcB/s1600/New%2BExtreme%2BFlight%2BArtwork%2BTemplates__5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2lhV0KaQBA/WAAGSNxPwvI/AAAAAAAAHsI/ToDwfyhtgmkjSx0PeVTMLgbIY3sz6aZ1gCLcB/s640/New%2BExtreme%2BFlight%2BArtwork%2BTemplates__5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div><br />The much anticipated <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/52-Extra-300-EXP--Blue-Scheme_p_3520.html" target="_blank">Extreme Flight 52" Extra EXP</a> is finally here and is as mega as we were expecting.&nbsp; As soon as I heard about this plane I started gathering the equipment up. As you may already know I have a soft spot for Extras.<br /><br />The 52" Extra EXP&nbsp;has so many similarities to the much-loved&nbsp;48" Extra&nbsp;that I am sure&nbsp;<em>The Boss</em> started with what he already had and added all the improvement and innovation he put into later EXPs and just made the whole package bigger.&nbsp;This would include features like the super strong angled side motorbox, and vertical wing bolt attachment.&nbsp;It's been six years since the original Extra EXP hit the runways, and everything that has been learned&nbsp;about flight and advanced construction since that day is incorporated, integrated&nbsp;into the new 52". <br /><br />There are other improvements, but we can get into that later in the report. In short the 52" Extra EXP&nbsp;is necessary to take advantage of slightly larger high torque servos and <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Xpwr-T3910-Motor_p_2442.html" target="_blank">Xpwr's insane new power system</a>. This is, in short, another step forward in extreme performance.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-onIRu6gfA/WAQoxfQ_kcI/AAAAAAAAHtI/zrqqBJHW8nssaVf4xFN61ujr0g3X13DDQCLcB/s1600/EF%2BExtra%2B60%2BEXP%2B005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-onIRu6gfA/WAQoxfQ_kcI/AAAAAAAAHtI/zrqqBJHW8nssaVf4xFN61ujr0g3X13DDQCLcB/s400/EF%2BExtra%2B60%2BEXP%2B005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Synergistic Integration</strong><br />OK, this gets a little deep, but stay with me, OK? <br /><br />By melding the concepts of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=integrate&amp;sourceid=ie7&amp;rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&amp;ie=&amp;oe=" target="_blank">Integration</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&amp;q=synergy&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAz5nsgeDPAhVHox4KHe_cAHYQBQgbKAA&amp;biw=1280&amp;bih=627" target="_blank">Synergy</a>&nbsp;you can&nbsp;combine one thing with another so that they become a whole, while you have the interaction of two or more pieces or assemblies&nbsp;to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of those parts or assemblies. How this applies to&nbsp;this&nbsp;plane&nbsp;is simply that Extreme Flight has brought together the best everything and packaged it as a quantum leap into the next dimension of 3DXA flying.<br /><br />Ok, maybe I was having a little fun with you, but everything from the airframe itself, the power system, servo arms and extensions right down to the screws that hold in the servos all work together as an integrated unit to bring you&nbsp;<em>unparalleled performance.&nbsp;</em><br /><br />In short: <strong><em>Things that are designed to work together always work better than things that aren't.</em></strong><br /><br />I've already previewed the&nbsp;Xpwr system and Xessories in separate blog articles and thought they were awesome, but when they come together in a plane they are designed to work with, the result is much, much more. While I was looking at&nbsp;and reviewing&nbsp;the individual pieces, I missed the big picture of it all coming together, but you will see that for yourself&nbsp;when you assemble your own and fly it.<br /><br /><strong>Smokin' Graphix</strong><br />Also of special note is the superb&nbsp;Arron Bates (The KM)&nbsp;custom color scheme, in outrageous&nbsp;red or elegant&nbsp;blue.&nbsp;To my eye, it is the perfect blend of Extreme Flight's traditional look and 3DHS' eye popping cutting edge styling, so there's something for everyone in the way this plane looks. Well done, Arron. <br /><br />Worth pointing out is the integrated design of the color patterns on the wheel pants.&nbsp; It's the same theme as used on the rest of the plane and it all sort of flows together. This is not normally something manufacturers pay a lot of attention to, but again the concepts of synergy and integration come together to make it all work together. The colors on the nose of the&nbsp;fuselage sweep back over the wing and flow off the tips. The awesome wheel pants simply complete the look. The design of the stabilizer is much the same, and it appeals to my sense of symmetry. Overall, it's simply a brilliant scheme. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;Click To Enlarge All Photos</span></strong></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REkL2h1DmtI/V-6E0SE6MiI/AAAAAAAAHpw/fx1w2sL3e1cVci9eUL6AEjd7Na2sktw3ACLcB/s1600/52%2BExtra%2Bglamor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REkL2h1DmtI/V-6E0SE6MiI/AAAAAAAAHpw/fx1w2sL3e1cVci9eUL6AEjd7Na2sktw3ACLcB/s200/52%2BExtra%2Bglamor.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUNKtrz8q_0/V-6EzRxaC0I/AAAAAAAAHps/2w1W8w-4cXsXCeHB8W8nXL00YIPBAXYSACLcB/s1600/53%2BExtra%2Bglamor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUNKtrz8q_0/V-6EzRxaC0I/AAAAAAAAHps/2w1W8w-4cXsXCeHB8W8nXL00YIPBAXYSACLcB/s200/53%2BExtra%2Bglamor.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-la0a4oCi8o8/V-6b2gZZBnI/AAAAAAAAHqE/4GGwCu2Zv1A1FAhLZdzzwOjaCwXXry6dQCLcB/s1600/0W4A7533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-la0a4oCi8o8/V-6b2gZZBnI/AAAAAAAAHqE/4GGwCu2Zv1A1FAhLZdzzwOjaCwXXry6dQCLcB/s400/0W4A7533.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo4U4oaAtTg/V-6htAnbiiI/AAAAAAAAHqc/G_qB65ff-tIu74hbgnvnT_R39-92Gk4cQCLcB/s1600/0W4A7522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo4U4oaAtTg/V-6htAnbiiI/AAAAAAAAHqc/G_qB65ff-tIu74hbgnvnT_R39-92Gk4cQCLcB/s200/0W4A7522.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJd3UEYIEV4/V-6hpQBeVcI/AAAAAAAAHqU/-mvWXiXejE0eHZXwbsKnmfQRY5a4wuNOQCLcB/s1600/0W4A7519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJd3UEYIEV4/V-6hpQBeVcI/AAAAAAAAHqU/-mvWXiXejE0eHZXwbsKnmfQRY5a4wuNOQCLcB/s200/0W4A7519.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Did I mention how good this thing looks?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's going to be a lot to cover in this blog, considering this is nearly a new size class of plane and the equipment is all different from what we have been using for the last 10 years in our four footers. This is essentially a brand new game and a brand&nbsp;new level of mid sized performance. Since there will be so much information coming at once,&nbsp;we will post the first videos on a separate page, hopefully in a day or two depending on which way the hurricane goes!&nbsp; Even with the flying&nbsp;left out, this is still going to be a lot of info, so let's get to it.&nbsp;</div><br /><strong>Xcessories!</strong><br />The 52" Extra EXP&nbsp;will be the first Extreme Flight plane designed especially to use Extreme Flight's superb new lineup of quality <a href="http://xcessories./">Xcessories</a>. You can order your Extra&nbsp;with absolutely everything you will need, from the beautiful <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Light-Weight-Servo-Arm-125-_p_2277.html" target="_blank">Extreme Flight anodized&nbsp;aluminum servo arms</a>, the correct length <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Servo-Extensions_c_612.html" target="_blank">Extreme Flight&nbsp;servo extensions</a> and even the&nbsp;<a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Socket-Head-Servo-Screws--Qty-100_p_3488.html" target="_blank">Extreme Flight anodized titanium colored socket head screws</a> for installing your servos. As long as you have a receiver, you can order everything you need directly from Extreme Flight, get it all in one package and only pay the postage on one box. <br /><br />Extreme Flight is&nbsp;stocking the correct servos for this plane, so once again you can get everything you need from the X company.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkUJVoPB3jI/WAULxMvdy7I/AAAAAAAAHuA/Lu0I9wf2_dUqBNMSFuC_NGPf4O-XObwpwCLcB/s1600/essories%2B1.5mm%2Barm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkUJVoPB3jI/WAULxMvdy7I/AAAAAAAAHuA/Lu0I9wf2_dUqBNMSFuC_NGPf4O-XObwpwCLcB/s400/essories%2B1.5mm%2Barm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDzsBIdHtk4/WAUJBWN7JJI/AAAAAAAAHt8/ylP-zH2TN8AnBMbedC1nbYsDfES5VSvDQCLcB/s1600/20160916_170313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDzsBIdHtk4/WAUJBWN7JJI/AAAAAAAAHt8/ylP-zH2TN8AnBMbedC1nbYsDfES5VSvDQCLcB/s200/20160916_170313.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6hnk9vIcxg/WAUJAfHxA_I/AAAAAAAAHt4/5kTHFf2sfiQMxYJTC1VUtKzLYF_qN0zLwCLcB/s1600/20160916_170052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6hnk9vIcxg/WAUJAfHxA_I/AAAAAAAAHt4/5kTHFf2sfiQMxYJTC1VUtKzLYF_qN0zLwCLcB/s200/20160916_170052.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3YbuxIbHFac/WAPu1FMkLoI/AAAAAAAAHsc/xeOx883Fqkwzrg1oCkp2zXo1bduF1L_1ACLcB/s1600/New%2BExtreme%2BFlight%2BArtwork%2BTemplates__0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3YbuxIbHFac/WAPu1FMkLoI/AAAAAAAAHsc/xeOx883Fqkwzrg1oCkp2zXo1bduF1L_1ACLcB/s640/New%2BExtreme%2BFlight%2BArtwork%2BTemplates__0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Execution</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were not too many surprises here, but we were not expecting many either. Why change what's working? Outside of that,&nbsp;the surprises we got were good ones. A lot of cool featured we have seen on different EXPs have all been put on this one too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, for this plane the Boss has incorporated everything he and the factory have learned over the last six years of making EXPs. The airframe is simply a larger 48 built to the newest standards. Instead of updating the 48, the Boss threw in all the cool new construction techniques and upsized the whole package to use more powerful and durable equipment.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, in as simple of terms as I can muster, this is&nbsp;the 48 perfected and taken to a new level.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One surprise is that new Extra does not feature recessed wings like the Lasers and Yaks. The wings fit so beautifully, I suppose there was no need to go that way. These wings also slipped right onto the plane with zero effort. Sometimes you have to struggle with them a little the first few times you put them on and take them off, but the factory is getting really good at this, and they stepped it up for this plane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, the factory&nbsp;continues to surprise us with it's quality construction. They have surprised us so often that it's not even a surprise any more, though that certainly doesn't mean I take it for granted. The new Extra is straight, light and built cleanly. Usually the 60" EXPs&nbsp;seem to be a step nicer than the 48s, but the 52" doesn't give anything up to it's bigger stable mates in the way of being perfectly turned out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyKeJqomLhE/WAVekrjbArI/AAAAAAAAHuY/yH0q5NTaebowsWaLfmELBw5yufzAPQhHwCLcB/s1600/Mock%2BUp%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyKeJqomLhE/WAVekrjbArI/AAAAAAAAHuY/yH0q5NTaebowsWaLfmELBw5yufzAPQhHwCLcB/s200/Mock%2BUp%2B001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQn1woRB6go/WAVejriwygI/AAAAAAAAHuU/ncUOw0wlo3QDFPbzhvNjrK0b6LJ43oLvwCLcB/s1600/Mock%2BUp%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQn1woRB6go/WAVejriwygI/AAAAAAAAHuU/ncUOw0wlo3QDFPbzhvNjrK0b6LJ43oLvwCLcB/s200/Mock%2BUp%2B002.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The servo holes are precut on both wings and fuselage, so this cuts out any guessing. Nothing sucks more than cutting open the wrong bay and having a hole in the side of a brand new plane that doesn't belong there, but that possibility has been eliminated. I usually like to do these myself because in the past I could do a little cleaner job, but the factory has got this completely figured out&nbsp;and they are now&nbsp;cleaner than I could ever&nbsp;do them. It's also nice there is one less thing to do on the build.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2J5_g6GvDY/WAamWQ8MzjI/AAAAAAAAHz8/3gxWNbl-TaAwwuBpWYS60REeLChlN7PeQCLcB/s1600/Aileron%2B%2BServo%2BBay%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2J5_g6GvDY/WAamWQ8MzjI/AAAAAAAAHz8/3gxWNbl-TaAwwuBpWYS60REeLChlN7PeQCLcB/s200/Aileron%2B%2BServo%2BBay%2B001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmujn44aLHw/WAVfauISg3I/AAAAAAAAHuc/pRhsnt8Y_r8qHQv0cwV6NN-CsE3CzNFsQCLcB/s1600/Precut%2BServo%2BOpening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmujn44aLHw/WAVfauISg3I/AAAAAAAAHuc/pRhsnt8Y_r8qHQv0cwV6NN-CsE3CzNFsQCLcB/s200/Precut%2BServo%2BOpening.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL6kGlh4jVU/WAbOQDOcMiI/AAAAAAAAH0s/klq_vPiymiUciOXunX2FZ7lNlRRgrV1mgCLcB/s1600/Wing%2BRoot%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL6kGlh4jVU/WAbOQDOcMiI/AAAAAAAAH0s/klq_vPiymiUciOXunX2FZ7lNlRRgrV1mgCLcB/s400/Wing%2BRoot%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also worth of note, on my Extra all four servo bays came predrilled for HS5087MH servos. I didn't have drill one hole on the whole plane except for the cowling</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Motorbox</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Holy cow, is the motorbox on this plane ever beefy! In addition to the already super stiff angled side construction, this motor box has carbon longerons running along the bottom to make it even stiffer. As is usual for an EXP, there is always plenty of Extreme Flight's G10 composite material on the face of the firewall.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YY4Wn6_79Y/WAaNhHPP6JI/AAAAAAAAHxE/eZjCuipFbqIg0BgaURBo2HZwmmnUMD3hQCLcB/s1600/Motorbox%2BBottom%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YY4Wn6_79Y/WAaNhHPP6JI/AAAAAAAAHxE/eZjCuipFbqIg0BgaURBo2HZwmmnUMD3hQCLcB/s200/Motorbox%2BBottom%2B001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCybdW8kplA/WAVgQssOv4I/AAAAAAAAHuk/mMp7so18gYYTwA04lvVilGesRJaLIDOxwCLcB/s1600/Motorbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCybdW8kplA/WAVgQssOv4I/AAAAAAAAHuk/mMp7so18gYYTwA04lvVilGesRJaLIDOxwCLcB/s200/Motorbox.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I certainly don't recommend it (and it would surely void your warranty) this thing is so stiff I almost think you could play baseball with it! It's certainly going to be much stronger than it needs to be for anything I am going to do to it short of an outright crash.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Landing Gear Mount</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we see 3DHS' technology filtering into an Extreme Flight plane. The Extra uses 3DHS' carbon tube method of reinforcement, Unfortunately it's really hard to get a good&nbsp;photo of it since it's under the battery tray, but you'll see when you built yours. This assembly is so tough that I think to rip the block out of this plane you would pretty much have destroy the whole plane.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzNuAHi-H74/WAaIE2jKT6I/AAAAAAAAHwY/k24DzfBj-FoXBnvcXoC3PqWiaAZiXsVagCEw/s1600/Lading%2BGear%2BBlock%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzNuAHi-H74/WAaIE2jKT6I/AAAAAAAAHwY/k24DzfBj-FoXBnvcXoC3PqWiaAZiXsVagCEw/s200/Lading%2BGear%2BBlock%2B001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cE8Ooo7r0nM/WAaIISnfuWI/AAAAAAAAHwk/83ViOVWo9VAqQh66tceWmv0ALZRbO76eACEw/s1600/Lading%2BGear%2BBlock%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cE8Ooo7r0nM/WAaIISnfuWI/AAAAAAAAHwk/83ViOVWo9VAqQh66tceWmv0ALZRbO76eACEw/s200/Lading%2BGear%2BBlock%2B002.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg83lrOjBKA/WAaLNfB9JsI/AAAAAAAAHw0/4LOEDwkMlJkiSgl5STzg_oL2n1AJG1bMwCLcB/s1600/Landing%2BGear%2BBloclc%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg83lrOjBKA/WAaLNfB9JsI/AAAAAAAAHw0/4LOEDwkMlJkiSgl5STzg_oL2n1AJG1bMwCLcB/s400/Landing%2BGear%2BBloclc%2B002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Wing Bolts</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For securing the wings, the 52" Extra uses the tab method. A tab on the wing root plugs into the fuselage and is&nbsp;secured with a vertical allen bolt. This is the same system as used on the 48" Laser and Yaks, and a few of the newer EXPs. While this might not seem like a big deal, those of us who have arthritis appreciate how much easier this is than the hard to reach horizontal wing bolts as used on the 48" Extra.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwPuBumFnQ8/WAaLnU8SUdI/AAAAAAAAHw8/pfDbO6wO4606_sZ_lgAX5Qp8bBIVAwcOQCLcB/s1600/Wing%2BBolt%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwPuBumFnQ8/WAaLnU8SUdI/AAAAAAAAHw8/pfDbO6wO4606_sZ_lgAX5Qp8bBIVAwcOQCLcB/s400/Wing%2BBolt%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the snappy wood piece that&nbsp;captures the aileron servo leads and keeps them from falling back down&nbsp; wing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL6kGlh4jVU/WAbOQDOcMiI/AAAAAAAAH0s/4Q3DxpcOYhcVtF5OFFs-gxtDfxM4Iu8MgCEw/s1600/Wing%2BRoot%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL6kGlh4jVU/WAbOQDOcMiI/AAAAAAAAH0s/4Q3DxpcOYhcVtF5OFFs-gxtDfxM4Iu8MgCEw/s400/Wing%2BRoot%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Basically the factory went out of their way to make everything as nice as possible and eliminate as much&nbsp;work as they could for the builder. When you combine these steps forward&nbsp;with the new lineup of quality Xessories, and insane Xpwr power systems, it's pretty clear the merger with 3DHS is now fully bearing fruit. We've got the best minds in the business all working together, synergistically, of course, and it really shows up in every detail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;With the plane being so well built and working with such nice hardware and Xessories, this is probably the nicest plane I have ever built. The whole experience gives me a new level of satisfaction.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>&nbsp;Details</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As seen on the 60" Yak, the Extra now has plywood hooks at it's wing root to keep the servo arm from falling back into the wing. In that same there are now hooks on the formers inside the fuselage to secure the servo wires coming from the tail to the receiver</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7xEQzdX-aY/WAVln9Iok3I/AAAAAAAAHvQ/Yv7oQBvhZF0lbndB9gQwx7cYoc6NVSLqACLcB/s1600/G10%2BReinforcement%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7xEQzdX-aY/WAVln9Iok3I/AAAAAAAAHvQ/Yv7oQBvhZF0lbndB9gQwx7cYoc6NVSLqACLcB/s200/G10%2BReinforcement%2B001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f98acYjdyjo/WAVlsDpTZwI/AAAAAAAAHvY/hAO_c96WxaMN0frhhmndvZJzoYGyOfX-ACLcB/s1600/Servo%2BWire%2BHooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f98acYjdyjo/WAVlsDpTZwI/AAAAAAAAHvY/hAO_c96WxaMN0frhhmndvZJzoYGyOfX-ACLcB/s200/Servo%2BWire%2BHooks.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">G10 is so used to reinforce the critic high stress areas on the fuselage around the wing tube and&nbsp;both front and rear anti-rotation pins.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Hardware</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Absolutely no surprises here. Almost every piece comes straight from the 48" Extra, which is top shelf bulletproof equipment. The ball links are the same ones that have performed so&nbsp;flawlessly in the 48s for so long, and by now&nbsp;we all know how to set those up to get the smooth,&nbsp;drag free operation so essential for precise flying.&nbsp;They use a 2mm bolt, which works perfectly with the new Extreme Flight aluminum arms. This is going to make the build, set up and assembly go much more quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ghHddBQ3Ylw/WAVgaiRcXSI/AAAAAAAAHuo/lTMbYCIW2PgfD2XOtiEV3pin5uDIgi_RgCLcB/s1600/Hardware%2B00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ghHddBQ3Ylw/WAVgaiRcXSI/AAAAAAAAHuo/lTMbYCIW2PgfD2XOtiEV3pin5uDIgi_RgCLcB/s400/Hardware%2B00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also part of the hardware pack is the standard Extreme Flight carbon tailwheel assembly that I love so much.&nbsp;The tiller arm is now one machined piece, which will address some of the looseness we were getting after beating up the old units for awhile.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gp8AjG_CosE/WAVhmd-AU-I/AAAAAAAAHu4/8uhjWQUZ9bQU87h5N0jEohP0Np0hfFOdwCLcB/s200/MachinedTiller%2BArm%2B001.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g16DsW31oI/WAagBS9ammI/AAAAAAAAHzo/twyPETBRbTwlHvLOi9PC3wtMDfjoYYJBwCLcB/s1600/Tail%2BWheen%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g16DsW31oI/WAagBS9ammI/AAAAAAAAHzo/twyPETBRbTwlHvLOi9PC3wtMDfjoYYJBwCLcB/s200/Tail%2BWheen%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the nuts, bolts, axles and wheels appear to be the same stuff we have been using on the 48s, which is a good thing because I like working with familiar equipment that has never let me down. All of this sends me into the build and flying with Xtreme high confidence.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One nice addition to the hardware pack are the 2mm lock nuts for the bolts that secure the ball links. I usually buy these from Micro Fasteners, but it's nice these now come with the kits. My Extra came with eight lock nuts, one for each end of all four pushrods. This is a very nice upgrade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something else I noticed is that all four pushrods are the same length, and there's no chance you can mix them up. I spun the pushrod into the ball link that I would bolt to the control horn with a drill and then spun the ball link with the control horn attached to the other end. On both ends the ball link was very nearly bottomed out, which means there's a lot of meat holding onto the treads and zero chance the pushrod can pull out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If&nbsp; Extreme Flight follows the form they used with the 48" EXPs, all future 52"s will use this hardware pack, which probably include pushrods. If you need a replacement pushrod for any reason, there's only one size. This makes stocking spares a lot simpler.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>The Build</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following the manual and using some of the tricks I outlined in <a href="http://miscellaneous%20build%20and%20set%20up%20tricks/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;"><strong>Miscellaneous Build And Set Up Tricks</strong></span></a>, there were absolutely no surprises and everything went together like I expected it to. Once you have done an EXP or two, assembly almost becomes instinctual, and this one is just a continuation of what we've been doing all along.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the really nice things about this plane is that I don't have to worry about installing a larger servo on the elevator and cutting into a brand new plane. That always went down the wrong way with me, but it worked. Now, though, you just drop one of the recommended servos in the hole, secure, and you're done. This also saved me about a half hour on the build and a bunch of stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of servos, my Extra came predrilled for HS5087MH servos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM_nJ6ptM5g/WAbD3hBQ3DI/AAAAAAAAH0U/S95uGAIVrG0hvfqto3Ptae6cBDqMZPt6gCLcB/s1600/20161018_204117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM_nJ6ptM5g/WAbD3hBQ3DI/AAAAAAAAH0U/S95uGAIVrG0hvfqto3Ptae6cBDqMZPt6gCLcB/s200/20161018_204117.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEkd1jIE4vw/WAbD0eDvVDI/AAAAAAAAH0M/dk49XC5uxqEPxg29SGTdTdm9UN_l09I9gCLcB/s1600/20161018_204143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEkd1jIE4vw/WAbD0eDvVDI/AAAAAAAAH0M/dk49XC5uxqEPxg29SGTdTdm9UN_l09I9gCLcB/s200/20161018_204143.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZEWfh8qSMw/WAbEOToIZZI/AAAAAAAAH0c/Qv3CPgroRBAiRjMviGbYuY0PyNEWoxQuQCLcB/s1600/20161018_204124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZEWfh8qSMw/WAbEOToIZZI/AAAAAAAAH0c/Qv3CPgroRBAiRjMviGbYuY0PyNEWoxQuQCLcB/s200/20161018_204124.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sT0HYt9Pdjk/WAbEODcZIhI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/D3DluTYmuw4_K4JgqZxAWNCgsARVw7e6wCLcB/s1600/20161018_204251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sT0HYt9Pdjk/WAbEODcZIhI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/D3DluTYmuw4_K4JgqZxAWNCgsARVw7e6wCLcB/s400/20161018_204251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had some custom graphics made up from 3M High Performance Vinyl. It's a little expensive, but this plane is worth it.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgm4LBFmVZw/WAqDVVz6MMI/AAAAAAAAH08/_07sEvwZWVYCYh3FfbXm50nl1v09HCZGACLcB/s1600/20161021_165233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgm4LBFmVZw/WAqDVVz6MMI/AAAAAAAAH08/_07sEvwZWVYCYh3FfbXm50nl1v09HCZGACLcB/s640/20161021_165233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwq_oY1uRY/WAqDXJfeU9I/AAAAAAAAH1A/A4jrkuTMrd8yelsKbWMTHgUEWodU5eJcACLcB/s1600/20161021_165135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwq_oY1uRY/WAqDXJfeU9I/AAAAAAAAH1A/-jmf0pesGmEKrCCcKoYXr7eTiNKMVO_6ACEw/s1600/20161021_165135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwq_oY1uRY/WAqDXJfeU9I/AAAAAAAAH1A/-jmf0pesGmEKrCCcKoYXr7eTiNKMVO_6ACEw/s200/20161021_165135.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8E6qYDCVjY/WAqDbjfSK3I/AAAAAAAAH1I/0lksSS-oJn0R9uXyISzxwCaT79YF879TQCEw/s1600/20161021_165315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8E6qYDCVjY/WAqDbjfSK3I/AAAAAAAAH1I/0lksSS-oJn0R9uXyISzxwCaT79YF879TQCEw/s200/20161021_165315.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9TjlV8pNrY/WAqDY8SjDXI/AAAAAAAAH1E/aGbBedxoUZYIdCeByMOh8z3sFr7xI8aUACEw/s1600/20161021_165157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9TjlV8pNrY/WAqDY8SjDXI/AAAAAAAAH1E/aGbBedxoUZYIdCeByMOh8z3sFr7xI8aUACEw/s400/20161021_165157.jpg" width="400" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pemW2-ubPzA/WBSXqNZcuQI/AAAAAAAAH2w/5lFkfhteRPAG-1WLYqxvpknk8RxtwCr7wCLcB/s1600/20161026_143151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pemW2-ubPzA/WBSXqNZcuQI/AAAAAAAAH2w/5lFkfhteRPAG-1WLYqxvpknk8RxtwCr7wCLcB/s200/20161026_143151.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3avSITe0Pss/WBSXtJDzZ0I/AAAAAAAAH28/eJRIGcY3uqAQOQqsIGB7aT4ERQdbVtHWQCLcB/s1600/20161026_143218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3avSITe0Pss/WBSXtJDzZ0I/AAAAAAAAH28/eJRIGcY3uqAQOQqsIGB7aT4ERQdbVtHWQCLcB/s200/20161026_143218.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq83lhKIbAk/WBSXNJ24sDI/AAAAAAAAH2s/X6NV9q6R1h0ijJo8zwuibbtWPHDaV12XgCLcB/s1600/20161026_143124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq83lhKIbAk/WBSXNJ24sDI/AAAAAAAAH2s/X6NV9q6R1h0ijJo8zwuibbtWPHDaV12XgCLcB/s320/20161026_143124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kejcIAsLEB8/WBSXNIzMZFI/AAAAAAAAH2o/o2SpSej7xdwYbfpahAvOTMyiKe9m8kY0ACLcB/s1600/20161026_143142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kejcIAsLEB8/WBSXNIzMZFI/AAAAAAAAH2o/o2SpSej7xdwYbfpahAvOTMyiKe9m8kY0ACLcB/s640/20161026_143142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Equipment</strong></span>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><strong>Power System: Motor</strong><br />The motor of choice for this&nbsp;plane&nbsp;is&nbsp;a product of <strong>Extreme Flight's Extreme Power division</strong> (Xpwr).&nbsp;As you may have read in <a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2016/06/testing-xpwr-3910.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>Testing the Xpwr 3910 </em></strong></a>.&nbsp; When the motor first became available I wanted to become familiar with it, so I tested it in my 48" Extra and MXS. It is smooth running, cool&nbsp;and reliable, just like the Torque motors I love so much.<br /><br />The 52" Extra and <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Xpwr-T3910-Motor_p_2442.html" target="_blank">Xpwr 3910</a></strong> were designed to work together as an integrated package. This motor delivers absolutely Xtreme&nbsp;<em>sick</em> power, 1068 watts at 72 amps (Xoar 14/8). When I tested this motor in a 48" Extra it was so overpowered that I was hanging on the entire time, so it ought to be perfect for the 52". <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6MomSX9BlY/WAUFo6a0gJI/AAAAAAAAHto/X4vsPSVA7vQqpnB2PvfSXRMxL2BpesySQCLcB/s1600/Xpwr%2B3910%2B00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6MomSX9BlY/WAUFo6a0gJI/AAAAAAAAHto/X4vsPSVA7vQqpnB2PvfSXRMxL2BpesySQCLcB/s400/Xpwr%2B3910%2B00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Designed to work with either a Xoar 14.8 or 15/7 propeller, the 3910 accelerates so quickly you can almost feel the plane trying to rip the transmitter out of your hands. This is the most righteously powerful thing I have ever flown. <br /><br />The sound of the 3910 is a little different to what we are used to. It is quieter and sounds more like (metaphorically speaking)&nbsp;a Mercedes than a Ferrari. I does not quite scream like a 2814, but it's sound is a little more muted and lower pitched. Perhaps this is because it's not working nearly as hard, which leads me to believe it could be even more reliable than what we are used to flying. More reliability was&nbsp;certainly not necessary, but it's always a good thing.<br /><br />Aside from being shorter, and bigger in diameter than what we are used to seeing in the 48s, there's really noting different in the way you install and use the 3910 in the 52" Extra.&nbsp;The mount appears to be the same one as used on the Torque 4016/500 MkII motors we fly in the 60" planes, so again I am happy to be working with something so familiar.<br /><br />The motor simply bolts straight to the Extra's firewall (using the included X mount)&nbsp;with no additional fitting or cutting. You just install it the same way we have been doing all along with all the other EXPs.&nbsp;This is not really a surprise because the two were designed to work as one integrated unit.<br /><br /><strong>Power Sy</strong><strong>stem: Speed Controller</strong><br />You were looking for a surprise here? Of course the speed controller on any of&nbsp;my planes is always going to be an Airboss, for this project, the <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Extreme-Flight-RC-Airboss-80A-Elite-ESC_p_1707.html" target="_blank">Airboss 80 Elite</a></strong>. I've been using these ESCs in my larger planes&nbsp;since the&nbsp;dark ages and still have not had one let me down. Never change what's working. With a Xoar 14.8 prop, I was pulling 73 amps, so we have the right ESC with a little safety margin built in.<br /><br />Again, with this being a completely integrated package, the motor and ESC work together perfectly.&nbsp;Even on fully charged 70C packs there was never a hint of squeal or hesitation, and throttle response is smooth and linear. This is what I expected from the Airboss ESC and what I've become accustomed to with Torque motors. Xpwr certainly got everything absolutely right on this package.<br /><br />One change especially worth notice is that to get the best performance out of the 3910, you will need to reprogram your Airboss 80 first to default, and then add high timing. This is a simple matter that is covered in the manual you get with the ESC, or&nbsp;<a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/assets/images/Manuals/AirBoss_Manuals/Airboss%20_Elite_V3_2011_instructions.doc" target="_blank">the online version</a>.<br /><br />When I run a separate BEC&nbsp; do not like to use the switch. The power from the radio will be coming from the separate BEC, so the switch doesn't work anyway. If anything, it gives you a false sense of security when you plug the battery in. I cut the switch off, shorten the wires, solder them together and use heat shrink over the joint. Then I stuff it under the clear covering on ESC. This gets the switch out of the way, but if I ever need to go back to using Airboss' on board BEC, it still works.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hz7_8czh3U/WAUHsU33lKI/AAAAAAAAHt0/pX9SSCfKJV0hkeYbiazBy-OZMLsMVTsAQCLcB/s1600/Airboss%2B80%2BESC%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hz7_8czh3U/WAUHsU33lKI/AAAAAAAAHt0/pX9SSCfKJV0hkeYbiazBy-OZMLsMVTsAQCLcB/s400/Airboss%2B80%2BESC%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><em></em><br /><strong>Servos</strong><br />The Extra was&nbsp;enlarged just enough to be able to take advantage of the power and torque provided&nbsp;by the slightly larger and more powerful <a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5087mh-hv-premium-digital-metal-gear-micro-servo-/product" target="_blank"><strong>Hitec HS5087MH</strong></a>&nbsp; servo. I have&nbsp;used the HS5087MH&nbsp;to great effect for years on the elevators of my 48" EXPs and they are smooth, powerful and center very well. Because they have performed so well over such an extended period of time, I have <em>zero</em> concerns about their reliability, and I already know about their performance.<br /><br />This set up will be perfect for&nbsp;the&nbsp;most extreme <em>abuse-the-equipment style of pilots, </em>but there are other benefits that will work to the advantage of regular every day sport 3DXA pilots.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwGPLqJ4Q0/WAQkH5aFa9I/AAAAAAAAHs8/gxy4Y5aDhUMgkIJp1qDM6Fs90omU4PGkACLcB/s1600/153_1_HS-5087MH_HV_Premium_Digital_Metal_Gear_Micro_Servo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwGPLqJ4Q0/WAQkH5aFa9I/AAAAAAAAHs8/gxy4Y5aDhUMgkIJp1qDM6Fs90omU4PGkACLcB/s320/153_1_HS-5087MH_HV_Premium_Digital_Metal_Gear_Micro_Servo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Specifications</span></strong></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Motor Type:</td><td>3 Pole Ferrite</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Bearing Type:</td><td>Top Ball Bearing Support</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Speed (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>0.17 / 0.13 second</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Torque oz./in. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>50 / 60 oz-in</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Torque kg./cm. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>3.6 / 4.3 kg-cm</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Size in Inches:</td><td>1.14 x 0.51 x 1.18 in</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Size in Millimeters:</td><td>29 x 13 x 30 mm</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Weight oz.:</td><td>0.77 oz.</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Weight g.:</td><td>21.9 g.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>For the slightly insane over-the-edge type of pilots who love to do repeated full throttle blenders,&nbsp;full throttle&nbsp;walls and parachutes, and&nbsp;tear-your-guts-out type of tumbling maneuvers, the&nbsp;high performance of this set up is ideal because of their enhanced speed, torque and laser like centering. <br /><br />The laser like centering will also come in extremely handy for precision or IMAC style of flying because a perfectly trimmed plane is always going to be more precise. This will also really help the regular every day sport 3DXA pilot because&nbsp;a servo that locks in and holds it's trim and centering&nbsp; will make the plane go and stay where you put it. This reduces the workload on the pilot and makes him look good. We can all use a little more&nbsp;of that. <br /><br />Thanks again to my friends at Hitec for their&nbsp;support and helping&nbsp;make this project possible.<br /><br />You will need to supply 7.4 to 8.2 volts to these servos, and for this I&nbsp;trust the <strong><a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/en/cc-bec-010-0004-00" target="_blank">Castle 10 Amp BEC</a></strong>, which is fully adjustable using the&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/products/castle_link.html" target="_blank">Castle Link Programmer</a>.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkJIF3-smRs/WAPx1N7wtRI/AAAAAAAAHss/0KfgpAr4-A8jqUfBGIdhAnJ0Ks8lJ_p1gCLcB/s1600/010-0004-00_1-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkJIF3-smRs/WAPx1N7wtRI/AAAAAAAAHss/0KfgpAr4-A8jqUfBGIdhAnJ0Ks8lJ_p1gCLcB/s320/010-0004-00_1-B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Batteries</strong><br />Extreme Flight recommends a 4s&nbsp;3000-3300 mah capacity pack, so the perfect match for me&nbsp;is the&nbsp;new <a href="http://www.thunderpowerrc.com/Products/3300-mAhR/TP3300-4SR70" target="_blank"><strong>Thunder Power 4s 3300 70C Rampage</strong></a>&nbsp;packs. I've been&nbsp;perfectly pleased with my 55C Lightning packs, but I have not been able to kill any of them even through two years of blistering Florida summers. As such, I haven't had the opportunity to try Thunder Power's latest offerings, but we're going to correct that now with these Rampage packs.&nbsp;Being a high discharge rating means I can run them a little harder and maybe expect a little longer lifespan. Having more power is never a bad thing either.<br /><br />I like the 12C charge rate because I can safely charge them at up to 39.6 amps. My Thunder Power <br />TP820CD charger puts out 20 amps per side, which means the bvest I can do is charge them at roughly half the maximum rate. While these packs are designed to charge at the full 12C rating, it never hurts to take it easy on your equipment.&nbsp; I am guessing I can charge&nbsp;one of these in 10-12 minutes. If you have a 40 amp charger it would be frightening how quickly you could top one of these off!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2DYiGChohVQ/V-6oaHXfNzI/AAAAAAAAHq8/0TT8eB52lYYCkLnqrq7ywNRNSLfO6TiOgCLcB/s1600/TP3300-4SR70%252520%2528D%2529%252520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2DYiGChohVQ/V-6oaHXfNzI/AAAAAAAAHq8/0TT8eB52lYYCkLnqrq7ywNRNSLfO6TiOgCLcB/s400/TP3300-4SR70%252520%2528D%2529%252520.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;At 353 grams, they are not that much heavier than the 2700 packs I am using in my 48s, and light weight is always a plus. They are also not much bigger in physical size either, so you can move them around quite a bit to get your CG where you want it.<br /><br />The specs below were copy/paste from Thunder Power's website. I kind of doubt I will be spiking the battery at 462 amps, so it's nice to have that much more safety margin than you really need. Under stressed equipment is more reliable and lives longer, and with money being tight, I've got to get through next year on just two packs. It makes sense to get the mega battery to start with instead of replacing cheaper packs more often.<br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Max Charge:</strong><span class="style2"> 12C</span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Max Charge Current:</strong><span class="style2"> 39.6A</span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Max Cont. Discharge:</strong><span class="style2"> 70C</span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Max Cont. Current:</strong><span class="style2"> 231A</span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Max Burst:</strong><span class="style2"> 140C</span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Max Burst Current:</strong><span class="style2"> 462A</span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Weight (g):</strong><span class="style2"> 353</span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dimensions (mm):</strong><span class="style2"> 27 x 43 x 141</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmzJ_1PrV7E/WAPtXcj9DwI/AAAAAAAAHsY/jy2GlVpFeB8E2mCVbkT0sKKKHIzKkVSLwCLcB/s1600/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmzJ_1PrV7E/WAPtXcj9DwI/AAAAAAAAHsY/jy2GlVpFeB8E2mCVbkT0sKKKHIzKkVSLwCLcB/s400/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP_007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: left;"><span class="style2">As always, thanks to my friends at Thunder Power for their support over the years. This blog and</span></div><div class="prod-tit style1 style2" style="text-align: left;"><span class="style2">these reports would simply not be possible without them.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong>Control Set Up</strong><br />Using the hardware for the 48" series EXPs made this part extremely easy. Being familiar with the equipment helps, but it's pretty easy anyway. For tips on getting your ball links set up for smooth, slop free and frag free operation, scroll down to <strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2016/03/miscellaneous-build-and-set-up-tricks_4.html" target="_blank">BALL LINK SET UP</a>.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />While simple enough, now it gets easier with the Extreme Flight aluminum arms that are pre-tapped for 2mm bolts. Now you just bolt the ball link directly to the arm and you no longer have to worry about using a nut and glue on the back side. Personally, I am paranoid about these things, so I'm still going to use a locking nut on the back side. <br /><br /><strong>Ailerons</strong><br />Here I am using&nbsp; Xcessories' sweet 1.25 aluminum servo arms, with the ball link bolted on the next to outer hole. This is plenty of aileron throw for almost anyone and maybe&nbsp;a bit too much for me. I can always dial it back if I need to.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9MsKGbMumM/WAaRfjPURgI/AAAAAAAAHyE/yaCstg6oAZMNsh-ShZ8W_yP3h0VfE44NACLcB/s1600/Aileron%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9MsKGbMumM/WAaRfjPURgI/AAAAAAAAHyE/yaCstg6oAZMNsh-ShZ8W_yP3h0VfE44NACLcB/s320/Aileron%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The servo hole is already cut out and drilled, so you just drop it in&nbsp;and secure with the&nbsp;<a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Socket-Head-Servo-Screws--Qty-100_p_3488.html" target="_blank">Xessory Socket Head Servo Screws</a>. Easy, just like the 48s.<br /><br /><strong>Elevator</strong><br />Again, we use&nbsp;the 1.25" Xcessories arm, with the ball link on the outside hole and the end points in my transmitter jacked to the max. <br /><br />I feel like I am being a bit lazy not writing more about it than this, but that's all there really is&nbsp;to it. The arm goes on with a little bit of gentle pushing, and if you have to take it off, gentle wiggling pops it right back off. Other aluminum arms I have tried nearly take a hammer to get seated properly, and then you have to pry them off with a screwdriver. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukGzyh9bxkA/WAaPpnnWmZI/AAAAAAAAHxw/SI85BaTE7YQ8dpZ9V6-dsFA0gC8yhgn9ACLcB/s1600/Elevtor%2BSet%2BUp%2B%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukGzyh9bxkA/WAaPpnnWmZI/AAAAAAAAHxw/SI85BaTE7YQ8dpZ9V6-dsFA0gC8yhgn9ACLcB/s400/Elevtor%2BSet%2BUp%2B%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once you have the servo arm locked on with the center&nbsp;allen bolt there is also an allen cinch bolt on the side of the arm. When you crank that down the arm cinches down hard on the servo output gear's&nbsp;spline and locks it on like a vice. This assures&nbsp;you have <em>zero</em> slop between the servo and the arm, which will give you a better flying plane.<br /><br />Frankly, it's hard to say too many good things about these servo arms because they solve a lot of the<br />problems we have been having with other arms and they are a righteous addition to the Xessories lineup.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;<strong>Rudder</strong><br />I'm still playing around with this and it may not be the final configuration. For now I am using the short single arm that comes in the PN55709&nbsp; pack and it works Quite well.&nbsp;&nbsp;I may later switch to an Xessories arm, but I ran out of them for this project.&nbsp;I'm still tinkering with it. it's actually almost perfect the way it is and I hate to change things that are working.<br /><br />The arm may look like it is not parallel, but that's not how you want to set a 3D plane up. Since we run so much throw the arm is actually straight at full deflection. This set up gives you the best mechanical advantage.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKJHpk9zGo/WAaSCva6iOI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/U5OUZJkyqjceLHXzSAAJudOj0tBk-UD7ACLcB/s1600/Rudder%2BSet%2BUp000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKJHpk9zGo/WAaSCva6iOI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/U5OUZJkyqjceLHXzSAAJudOj0tBk-UD7ACLcB/s320/Rudder%2BSet%2BUp000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>Radio Installation</strong><br />Like on the 48s, there is platform for mounting the receiver. Mountred here you can plug the servos directly into the receiver without servo extensions. My car is a bit small. The trunk is 51.6" wide, so I have to take one wing off for transport. To make this easier I simply used Xessor 6" servo extensions, but I'm going to order some 3" when I get another one of these soon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1ubxK4cxPY/WAaTf40TDTI/AAAAAAAAHyY/-1lp1-a7_as-WNb9DXUQNpwUMkGMnIcUwCLcB/s1600/Radio%2BInstallation%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1ubxK4cxPY/WAaTf40TDTI/AAAAAAAAHyY/-1lp1-a7_as-WNb9DXUQNpwUMkGMnIcUwCLcB/s400/Radio%2BInstallation%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />You put the receiver here and the recommended extension for all channels are the right length almost like all of this stuff was made to work together.<br /><br />Oh ..... <em>wait</em>. It is.<br /><br />With the receiver behind the wing tube, everything stays out of the battery compartment, so you aren't always snagging wires changing out packs. You can see the little hooks on the fuselage sides that retain the wires and keep them from flopping around. This just makes for a clean looking installation, almost like I know what I am doing<br /><br />Here you can see the plywood hooks holding the servo wires and making the installation really sweet and neat. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XOr1R3yDL4/WAaWQvUzd8I/AAAAAAAAHyo/tPDeJ7P0jMIgRpq15hRsDfsoZv5R4s5VACLcB/s1600/Servo%2BHooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XOr1R3yDL4/WAaWQvUzd8I/AAAAAAAAHyo/tPDeJ7P0jMIgRpq15hRsDfsoZv5R4s5VACLcB/s400/Servo%2BHooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Power System Installation</strong><br /><br />Once you bolt the hardware (X mount, real collar, and prop adapter) to your 3910 Simply bolts straight to the firewall. There is so little to do there's nothing more to say!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-593eSu74vmk/WAaWfKTse7I/AAAAAAAAHyw/Yhh8wGPXaEIsaWkrQgCKRZPh6ZCWx-LjACLcB/s1600/Power%2BSystem%2BInstalled%2B0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-593eSu74vmk/WAaWfKTse7I/AAAAAAAAHyw/Yhh8wGPXaEIsaWkrQgCKRZPh6ZCWx-LjACLcB/s400/Power%2BSystem%2BInstalled%2B0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1h4Wnel5gC0/WAabYKsYMCI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/ZBO9qzObo70dliJHlOky1gLZdgL-IR_nQCLcB/s1600/ESC%2BInstal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1h4Wnel5gC0/WAabYKsYMCI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/ZBO9qzObo70dliJHlOky1gLZdgL-IR_nQCLcB/s200/ESC%2BInstal.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyNQKDh0sFc/WAaXNfmXwOI/AAAAAAAAHy0/wUiYr6wbMwMuhe4cFIzRWsHIkIXIulwsQCLcB/s1600/Power%2BSystem%2B0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyNQKDh0sFc/WAaXNfmXwOI/AAAAAAAAHy0/wUiYr6wbMwMuhe4cFIzRWsHIkIXIulwsQCLcB/s200/Power%2BSystem%2B0021.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />The motorbox has two carbon rods running along the bottom. This looks like really good place the motorbox, This way&nbsp;the ESC is directly behind the Extra's chin cooling scoop and always in moving air. The Deans plug also comes out the other side (your choice, left or right), and lines up with the battery connection.<br /><br />Worth noting in the pictures are the pre-cut slots for the wire tie that secures the ESC.&nbsp;<em>Boss Hinson</em> &nbsp;thought of everything on this plane.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>FLYING</strong></span></div><br />The 48" Extra EXP, in my mind anyway, does everything <em>exactly</em> the way an airplane should do it. It's behavior is perfect in every respect, so it is my baseline for comparison to other planes. As such, the 52" is bound to be the&nbsp;new four foot&nbsp;standard because it's the 48" all over again, only bigger, smoother, more solid and more precise with quantum improvements in the Xessories, power system and execution.<br /><br />No real surprises except how nicely integrated everything is. I have no concerns about it's performance, and really expect that to be a quantum improvement as well,&nbsp;but we know more as soon as I drop the hammer and let her rip.<br /><br />For now, I want to get the information about the plane out and video will follow as soon as we can get it in the can. Keep your eyes on the blog for a new video and flying article, hopefully in a day or two.<br /><br />&nbsp;Finally, thanks to Chris Hinson&nbsp; and Ben Fisher&nbsp;for giving me the education, mentoring,&nbsp;and opportunities to&nbsp;bring&nbsp;these articles to you. You guys rock!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed6TX5LKiDc/WATkTocw98I/AAAAAAAAHtY/STMPdFMZcVIZ8zGBgkkRGvPqLH7eab0pQCLcB/s1600/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed6TX5LKiDc/WATkTocw98I/AAAAAAAAHtY/STMPdFMZcVIZ8zGBgkkRGvPqLH7eab0pQCLcB/s640/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP_005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZhn9oDW2vE/WAaH5ODeLwI/AAAAAAAAHwM/prF-BPYOXDw4hproX5wmZfXhvdg7cW42ACLcB/s1600/Box%2BTop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZhn9oDW2vE/WAaH5ODeLwI/AAAAAAAAHwM/prF-BPYOXDw4hproX5wmZfXhvdg7cW42ACLcB/s400/Box%2BTop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-89803512842050723612016-09-17T00:49:00.002-04:002016-10-15T16:09:28.578-04:00Extreme Flight 60" Edge EXP__Old Dog, New Tricks__New Extreme Flight Products<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixisy3hSU64/V9y8NnjGtxI/AAAAAAAAHpM/B-ZrutLYDGAhfdYhIs1BLJIbFV4LrzBkQCEw/s1600/TP_Edge%2BEXP_RWB__027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixisy3hSU64/V9y8NnjGtxI/AAAAAAAAHpM/B-ZrutLYDGAhfdYhIs1BLJIbFV4LrzBkQCEw/s640/TP_Edge%2BEXP_RWB__027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As my Extreme Flight 60 Edge EXP closed in on 2.5 years old, I was starting to think it was indestructible, though that notion came to a cashing halt (literally) with a single, silly mistake. Virtually everything was destroyed because it was a full throttle hit on one of the wingtips, and debris was strung for 150 feet.<br /><br />So,&nbsp;stuff happens and with the weather cooling off just a little, I was ready for a project I could take out in the garage, open the doors and enjoy the nice weather.&nbsp;That is, except it's still blistering hot outside and I had to get it done. With the 52" Extras due in any day, I needed to knock this out and have the shop ready. Much to Wifey's dismay, I built this plane on the kitchen counter top!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wX4BC1-b0Ls/V9y9Ph7KqxI/AAAAAAAAHpY/fxSJ4xl0Ug8g07b6ApIxiq83dNuvNPXhACLcB/s1600/20160916_172815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wX4BC1-b0Ls/V9y9Ph7KqxI/AAAAAAAAHpY/fxSJ4xl0Ug8g07b6ApIxiq83dNuvNPXhACLcB/s200/20160916_172815.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOyqQiT0170/V9y8Nl3nj6I/AAAAAAAAHpI/Y9Fo0Jbil2YFjCVVswzhHU_fdtEPHworgCEw/s1600/20160916_172832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOyqQiT0170/V9y8Nl3nj6I/AAAAAAAAHpI/Y9Fo0Jbil2YFjCVVswzhHU_fdtEPHworgCEw/s200/20160916_172832.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />I'll add some more glamor photos once I get it out to the field. None of them look very glamorous sitting in the kitchen, but I'm still pretty pleased that it came out so well. I've kept the decals to a minimum for now. It's a new plane and sometimes the covering will loosen up, so I'll fly it a few times, retighten and then it will be ready for more decals ....... or not. I usually like to keep this scheme pretty clean and clutter free.<br /><br />&nbsp;As expected, the build went really well, but different for this project are a couple of new products that have been sorely needed for a lot of years. They are all products you use every build and now they are all available from Extreme Flight's new <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Xessories_c_608.html" target="_blank"><strong>Xessories</strong></a> division. Having recently lost our local hobby shop, now I have to mail order virtually everything. The good new is I can now get almost everything I need from Extreme Flight when I order the kit.<br /><br /><strong>Xessories Rockin' New </strong><strong>Extended Servo Arms</strong><br />The harder we started pushing these planes, the more we had to look at improving areas of performance.&nbsp;Part of this naturally led us to a critical look at the servos and&nbsp;linkage system. When you use a long arm, anything wrong in the linkage system is greatly&nbsp;amplified. We are running at least four times as much (and sometimes more) throw than you would run on a sport plane, so if you have something like a draggy ball link or sloppy servo arms,&nbsp;problems with getting the control surface to center are&nbsp;going to be about&nbsp;four times as bad as you would normally expect. This is simply unacceptable.<br /><br />Years ago we went to ball link connectors on both ends of the pushrod to assure drag free and slop free connection and smooth operation. This was a big step forward, but then we needed to look at the servo arms too. We were getting a lot of slop in the plastic arms we were&nbsp;previously using. The plastic splines would spread out under load and then the servo arm could wobble around on the servo output shaft. Now, we have slop in the linkage system again, which affects&nbsp;centering of the control surface. The servo will center fine on it's own, but with slop in the pushrod&nbsp;system the surface may or may not. This makes trimming the plane&nbsp;for precision maneuvers virtually impossible, and you'll spend the entire flight either fighting a plane that won't stay trimmed, or chasing the trims the whole time. Neither way is not&nbsp;much fun.<br /><br />&nbsp;I tried a few aftermarket metal arms too, but no one made an arm that uses the 2mm hardware that comes with the Extreme Flight 48-60" span&nbsp;kits. Basically we were stuck with plastic arms unless we wanted to special order expensive custom arms from a specialty manufactures and pay postage on top of it.<br /><br />Now Extreme Flight is making their own <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Aluminum-Servo-Arms_c_613.html" target="_blank">Beautiful anodized light weight aluminum arms</a></strong>. They are pretty light, and I am guessing they might even be lighter than the plastic arms we were using before. The holes in the arms are 2mm, so you just bolt the ball link on and forget about it. You don't have to drill anything or measure anything. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OcSsSJo4qg/V9y8cbIMmgI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/Dm-k16HWK1AQNKyOkQRhiQark3MqFBZUgCEw/s1600/20160916_163917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OcSsSJo4qg/V9y8cbIMmgI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/Dm-k16HWK1AQNKyOkQRhiQark3MqFBZUgCEw/s640/20160916_163917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Metal arms I have tried previously were very difficult to get onto the servo because the splines were so tight, and getting them off was a problem too. The Extreme Flight arm&nbsp;seems to be just right in that it goes on easily with a little gentle pushing, secure the center mounting bolt, then&nbsp;sock it down tight as a clam&nbsp;using the allen cinch bolt on the side. Other arms I have had to pry off with a screwdriver, but with the Extreme Flight arm you remove the center mounting bolt,&nbsp;loosen the cinch bolt, and after some gentle wiggling it pops right off.<br /><br />These arms fit the spline pretty well to begin with, but once you tighten the cinch bolt there is less than zero slop. It's <strong>on</strong> there, and now I worry less about the bolt that actually retains the arm falling out and the arm popping off.&nbsp;I think the arm would stay on without it, but I'm still going to use one! <br /><br />Also useful is the arm is tapped for a 2mm bolt&nbsp;where the ball link is attached on, so you could probably get away with a little locktite and just crank the bolt down. I'm still the paranoid type and will use a locking nut and some medium CA&nbsp;on the back side, just to be dead solid sure.<br /><br />These arms are going to make the entire control system much more rigid with much better control&nbsp;centering. <strong><em>Essentially,</em></strong> <strong>these arms are going to make the plane fly better</strong>. With the threaded bolt holes and cinch bolt, everything will be easier to set up, work on and maintain too.<br /><br />I plan to retrofit all of my 60" EXPs. These are far and away the best servo arms I have ever tried, and they are really reasonably priced between&nbsp; $5.88 and&nbsp; $11.00. These arms are massive winners in every conceivable way.<br /><br /><strong>Xessories Socket&nbsp;</strong><strong>Head Servo Screws For servo Mounting</strong><br />Most servos come with Phillips head screws for mounting the servos. I much prefer to use an allen head screw because the allen&nbsp;&nbsp;tool plugs deep&nbsp;into the screw head, and&nbsp;this makes installing screws much easier. <br /><br />I wanted to give&nbsp;<a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Socket-Head-Servo-Screws--Qty-30_p_3487.html" target="_blank"><strong>Extreme Flight's' New Socket head servo Screws</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>a try for this project and I really like them. Check the photo above of the servo arm and you can see what the servo screws look like installed. It appears they are anodized in sort of&nbsp;a titanium color and I like to look much better than the chrome we usually get. <br /><br />&nbsp;These are very easy to work with because they stay on the tool really well, and not always falling off and rolling under the work bench. You can also crank them down really good because an allen is less prone to rounding off than a Phillips. These are much, much, much easier to work with and a lot less aggravation than the Phillips heads screws that come with most servos.<br /><br />I bought the big bag with 100 screws for $4.99. That's way cheaper than anything you can get from the local hobby shop. Most of the planes we fly take four servos, times four mounting screw per servo. That's 16 screws per plane, and 100 screws are enough to set up six planes with four left over if you are clumsy and drop things under the work bench. <br /><br />Five bucks to set up six planes. Try getting that kind of value at the local hobby shop.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0h2iFzNat0/V9y8DOEVQiI/AAAAAAAAHo4/Hu4z4ka6GxwRxKGfCkn9QLsjYQA4PvFxQCEw/s1600/20160916_170052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0h2iFzNat0/V9y8DOEVQiI/AAAAAAAAHo4/Hu4z4ka6GxwRxKGfCkn9QLsjYQA4PvFxQCEw/s400/20160916_170052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Xessories </strong><strong>Servo Extensions</strong><br />Another one of these products you buy almost every time are servo extensions, and now Extreme Flight makes those as well. These are really nice&nbsp;twisted extensions available in all the sizes you see listed <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Servo-Extensions_c_501.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a>. Something else that's nice is&nbsp;every plane's order page lists the extensions you will need, so this cuts down on the guessing.<br /><br />I got a giggle out of the packaging because it's really too nice for something like this. Usually you just rip the bag open and toss it because you want to get on to the build, but this little bag actually has a re-sealable opening at the top! You have to wonder why Extreme Flight made such nice packaging, but my guess is that this is just a part of the quality experience you get with the new line of&nbsp;Extreme Flight accessories.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IAlKAy_2Tg/V9y8DFLkEPI/AAAAAAAAHo0/R_LpvopDMfwiPjufmPs2mldrXjBAvoxzQCLcB/s1600/20160916_170313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IAlKAy_2Tg/V9y8DFLkEPI/AAAAAAAAHo0/R_LpvopDMfwiPjufmPs2mldrXjBAvoxzQCLcB/s320/20160916_170313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As recommended on the Edge EXP page on Extreme flight's website, I used the 18" extensions and they were the perfect length. As you can see, the leads are twisted, which looks nice. The best part is they are the right length, so I don't have a bunch of wire flapping around inside the plane and the installation looks neat and tidy, almost like I know what I am doing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdUczsSG0HA/V9y73kMkJfI/AAAAAAAAHow/I6jNrI84ihcP_dUJB8-W_yb51461QWFOgCLcB/s1600/20160916_163813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdUczsSG0HA/V9y73kMkJfI/AAAAAAAAHow/I6jNrI84ihcP_dUJB8-W_yb51461QWFOgCLcB/s320/20160916_163813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>Xessories Socket Head Servo Arm Bolts</strong> <br />We all hate the awful Phillips head bolts that come with servos to hold the servo arm on. The head of the screwdriver will spin inside the phillip head unless you apply a lot of downward pressure, and you can easily crack (or worse, break) &nbsp;the wood behind the servo. <br /><br />To secure the arm to the servo, the&nbsp;HS5245MG and HS7245MH&nbsp; use a 2.6 X 8 mm bolt.&nbsp;These are available in an allen head&nbsp;&nbsp;from Xessories as <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/HiTec-Servo-Arm-Screws--Bag-of-10_p_2066.html" target="_blank"><strong>HiTec Servo Arm Screws - Bag of 10</strong></a><strong>. </strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0luCj1GrO24/V-8EBBGVrdI/AAAAAAAAHro/4jYdt9GchYM-fyuaqZ6VDfnUkbwQe2JGwCLcB/s1600/hitec_servo_screw%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0luCj1GrO24/V-8EBBGVrdI/AAAAAAAAHro/4jYdt9GchYM-fyuaqZ6VDfnUkbwQe2JGwCLcB/s400/hitec_servo_screw%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />While these are "just" bolts, they are an important product because the allen head allows you to apply as much torque&nbsp;as you like without having to push down and potentially stress or crack the wood behind the servo. The allen tool drives deep into the socket head and it won't round off like a Phillips can.&nbsp;&nbsp;Personally I want to make sure the bolt holding my elevator servo arm on to be really, really tight, and these bolts are much better for that than the cheesy Phillips head that comes with the servo.<br /><br />Hopefully I can encourage the boss to add some 2.6 X 3mm socket head bolts available for the HS65MG.<br /><br /><b>&nbsp;</b><strong>&nbsp;Something New From Xoar</strong><br />I've had many Xoar propellers over they years, but this is something different., It appears they drilled the hub and added some sort of weigh to balance it. You can see the little green dots on the hub. I've never gotten Xoar propeller with this done to it, so I can only assume this is a recent change.<br /><br />I threw the propeller on my trusty Dubro balancer and it was perfect, so at least these two newest Zoars came factory balanced, which I heartily applaud.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwpI62iLjcQ/V9y8NfkBNyI/AAAAAAAAHpE/TjaHdTHredM7o4qsXCOLBzdbIxDkKj_-wCLcB/s1600/20160916_173420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwpI62iLjcQ/V9y8NfkBNyI/AAAAAAAAHpE/TjaHdTHredM7o4qsXCOLBzdbIxDkKj_-wCLcB/s320/20160916_173420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxZeii9sPhM/V9y8J93rP0I/AAAAAAAAHpA/6_hH6i2Y4rUQLGhQV5Lmeez2uy-x3E6sQCLcB/s1600/TP_Edge%2BEXP_RWB__006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxZeii9sPhM/V9y8J93rP0I/AAAAAAAAHpA/6_hH6i2Y4rUQLGhQV5Lmeez2uy-x3E6sQCLcB/s640/TP_Edge%2BEXP_RWB__006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-29618038693752279312016-07-29T18:47:00.002-04:002016-07-29T21:20:58.329-04:00Xpwr 3910__ Building The Psycho Killer MXS<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBdASEO-6T8/V5u4dMcr08I/AAAAAAAAHmQ/VDb9agru4L8mHue_3qhPqGnSmjny76qCgCLcB/s1600/3000%2BX%2B1688%2BThunder%2BPower%2BTemplates__0001.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBdASEO-6T8/V5u4dMcr08I/AAAAAAAAHmQ/VDb9agru4L8mHue_3qhPqGnSmjny76qCgCLcB/s640/3000%2BX%2B1688%2BThunder%2BPower%2BTemplates__0001.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />Extreme aerobatics have changed radically since I started in 2006. The planes have gotten lighter, stronger, sleeker, faster and much more powerful. We have seen several evolutions in design and equipment, and even some of the older planes have benefitted from&nbsp;evolution in servo and power systems technology.<br /><br />When <em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chris.hinson.1829" target="_blank"><strong>The Boss</strong></a></em> and Ben Fisher merged Extreme Flight and 3DHS into one monster company, we knew good things would be coming. Those two have advanced the state of the art so much independently that together there is not going to be any stopping them, and with what we've seen so far, no one else is even going to be able to keep up. It took them some time to set things up and&nbsp;the new products streaming out, and that has only just begun.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Psycho Killer MXS</strong><br />The Extreme Flight MXS EXP is one of my more beloved airframes. It was my second EXP, and much different than anything else I had flown at the time. It was a new challenge at a time when I really needed one, and of course, I really liked the plane too. It was stable, so I could push it hard, but it was also really agile, so I had to open my own envelope to take advantage of that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VB6QR7HZK2Q/V5u5Z2TGEqI/AAAAAAAAHmg/jqAyz7auZGEmeSEMf7Un73ikOHGG8mZKACLcB/s1600/20160729_131310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VB6QR7HZK2Q/V5u5Z2TGEqI/AAAAAAAAHmg/jqAyz7auZGEmeSEMf7Un73ikOHGG8mZKACLcB/s200/20160729_131310.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aR9uMFk5DE/V5u5cUIZbaI/AAAAAAAAHmk/rdeNZNul9so6A725aTBVJOUcjm0kuzgcACLcB/s1600/20160729_131242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aR9uMFk5DE/V5u5cUIZbaI/AAAAAAAAHmk/rdeNZNul9so6A725aTBVJOUcjm0kuzgcACLcB/s200/20160729_131242.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;I also survived a heart attack flying one, and I spent a lot of time in the hospital (partially because there was nothing else to do) thinking about the MXS, how to improve my set up and get the most out of the plane. In a lot of ways, the MXS was the motivation for getting off the couch and back into the game so quickly, and greatly helped my recovery. As much as I love everything about the plane, this will probably always be the thing I hold most dear about it.<br /><br />Previously the MXS was such a wigged out plane that it never occurred to me it could be possible to make it even more badass. The MXS will be going on six years old this October, and equipment has improved so much it has become time to update my set up and take advantage of that. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DujJQuV3Dkc/V5u5cuH8G3I/AAAAAAAAHmo/QbnL5pBNfMgbSrpflD-ml5mk3jXs6Y38wCLcB/s1600/20160729_131407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DujJQuV3Dkc/V5u5cuH8G3I/AAAAAAAAHmo/QbnL5pBNfMgbSrpflD-ml5mk3jXs6Y38wCLcB/s640/20160729_131407.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Some of you may remember earlier this year when I built a special Extra SHP with Hitec HV servos, double ball link hardware, and generally every trick have learned&nbsp;from eight years of flying that plane, and using the new tricked out&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5070mh-ultra-torque-metal-gear-feather-servo/product" target="_blank">HS5070MH</a></strong>&nbsp;servos. It was the most hot-rodded SHP ever built, and thus earning itself the name "<a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/12/tweaking-out-3dhs-extramurder-shp.html" target="_blank"><strong>Murder SHP</strong></a>." Since the SHP is such a darling little sweetheart of a plane with gentle manners and subline stability, going crazy with the set up only went so far. Certainly it's a nice plane, deadly capable, in fact. However, it made me wonder what could be done with a plane that was wild to start with, and the <em>king of wild</em> is the MXS.<br /><br />With the introduction of the new XPWR 3810 motor, we can now run a bigger 14/8 propeller and take advantage of the added thrust and airflow going over the control surfaces, especially at slower speeds. The XPWR 3910 also puts out about 1068 watts, which is about a 38% increase in power.&nbsp;If you want to build the ultimate MXS, this is the final piece you need.<br /><br />Since the MXS has a wrapped balsa fuselage, it is a little heavier than the other EXPs, and you have to manage your speed and momentum a little better to get the most out of it. With a little more power that would not be the case, so it seems like a sure fire natural to retrofit one with an Xpwr 3910 and take advantage of that 1087 watts, <br /><br />So, much like drivers of the street race cars on the show "Street Outlaws," I had to pick a cool&nbsp;name for the plane, so this will be the "<strong>Psycho Killer MXS."</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Equipment</span></strong></div><br /><strong>The Revolutionary Xpwr 3910 motor</strong><br />The evolution, however, seems to have turned into a <em>revolution. </em>The world changed overnight with the simple release of a single item, which was the <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Xpwr-T3910-Motor_p_2442.html" target="_blank"><strong>Xpwr 3910 motor</strong></a>.&nbsp; With the release of Extreme Flight's brutish&nbsp;Xpwr 3910 motor, the next great revolution is&nbsp; upon us. Certainly there will be new airframes designed around this fire breathing 1000 watt power plant, but the motor is here now and people are always crying for more power. <br /><br />Now the full story can be revealed that the 3910 was designed for Extreme Flight's upcoming exciting new 52" Extra EXP, which we will be&nbsp;extensively reporting on&nbsp;soon. With the kind of investment Extreme Flight has made in this new motor, you can&nbsp;be sure there will be more 52" offerings, so you'de better hang on to your butt. It's going to be a wild ride!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QP1rtLVSlRw/V5q7NHLCc3I/AAAAAAAAHl8/hsCGM5Ao1ckmpvdO_2wBhZZzP7UhTwIIQCLcB/s1600/xpwr-T3910_motor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QP1rtLVSlRw/V5q7NHLCc3I/AAAAAAAAHl8/hsCGM5Ao1ckmpvdO_2wBhZZzP7UhTwIIQCLcB/s320/xpwr-T3910_motor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You might not think a motor, no matter how good, would&nbsp;revolutionize the hobby, but the 3910 is merely a small window into the kind of things we can expect. You'll be seeing much more of that in the coming months, but let's stick with the 3910 and the MXS for now.</div><br />My Xpwr 3910 puts out a whopping 1068 watts at 73 amps on a Xoar 14/8 propeller and a Thunder Power 4s 2700 Magna 70C series battery. It's just crazy power for this sized plane, but it's certainly a lot of fun.<br /><br />Since I have a house full of the current 48" EXPs, I recently fitted a 3910 to my beloved Extra EXP, and the transformation was beyond startling. Top speed was increased moderately, but the big gain is in barbaric punch out from hovers and harrier, and acceleration is absolutely&nbsp;blinding. Really, this power system blasts the Extra EXP into a totally different dimension and every single aspect of flight is greatly improved.<br /><br />As such, I think any of the current 48" EXP lineup will benefit from using this motor. However, they won't be super gentle little putt-putt planes. I would say it's more like they will be&nbsp;a fire breathing monsters, but I've already used that and it doesn't really go far enough. The 3910 transforms a 48" EXP into a <em>rabid demon.</em><br /><br />Fitting the motor took a little bit of fiddling, but it was not a big deal. The hard part was figuring it all out, but I've already done that for you in <strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2016/06/installing-xpwr-3910-in-48-exp.html" target="_blank">Installing The Xpwr 3910 In A 48" EXP</a></strong> .<br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Hitec MH Servos</strong><br />The MXS has always been a little bit of a psycho plane to begin with. With it's sort tail moment the MXS has always had great pitch authority, and&nbsp;is capable of insane violence. Snaps, spins and tumbles have always been crazy with this plane. With the advent of Hitec's excellent new <a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5070mh-ultra-torque-metal-gear-feather-servo/product" target="_blank"><strong>HS5070MH</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and <a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5087mh-hv-premium-digital-metal-gear-micro-servo-/product" target="_blank"><strong>HS5087MH</strong></a>&nbsp; (for the elevator) servos, this aspect of the planes performance was greatly enhanced. So, to build the best MXS I know how, these servos were essential. I run them off a <a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/products/ccbec.html#" target="_blank"><strong>Castle Creations'&nbsp;10 amp BEC</strong></a> .<br /><br />Previously I was running these servos on 7.4 volts, but for the Extra EXP with Xpwr 3910 project I bumped them up to 8.0 volts and this improved the centering. The extra speed threw my timing off a little, but I just had to make a small adjustment to my flying and&nbsp; now I can take advantage of that.<br /><br />Not being into specs and numbers, I almost never talk about specs and numbers, but for those of you who are,&nbsp; tech details for the 5070MH and 5087MH are listed below.<br /><h3>Specifications HS570MH</h3><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Motor Type:</td><td>3 Pole</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Bearing Type:</td><td>Top Ball Bearing</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Speed (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>0.14 / 0.12 sec @ 60 deg.</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Torque oz./in. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>42 / 52</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Torque kg./cm. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>3.0 / 3.7</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Size in Inches:</td><td>0.92 x 0.56 x 1.11</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Size in Millimeters:</td><td>23.6 x 11.6 x 28.1</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Weight ounces:</td><td>0.50</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Weight grams:</td><td>14.2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong>Specifications HS5087MH</strong><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Motor Type:</td><td>3 Pole Ferrite</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Bearing Type:</td><td>Top Ball Bearing Support</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Speed (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>0.17 / 0.13 second</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Torque oz./in. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>50 / 60 oz-in</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Torque kg./cm. (6.0V/7.4V):</td><td>3.6 / 4.3 kg-cm</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Size in Inches:</td><td>1.14 x 0.51 x 1.18 in</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Size in Millimeters:</td><td>29 x 13 x 30 mm</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #858585;"><td>Weight oz.:</td><td>0.77 oz.</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #666666;"><td>Weight g.:</td><td>21.9 g.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><strong>Servo And Control Linkage&nbsp;Set Up</strong><br />The fortunate part of this project is that I already have an MXS set up with the HS5070MH and <br />&nbsp;HS5087MH (on elevator) servos. With these and the&nbsp;Xpwr 3910, this is as bad ass of an MXS as I know how to build.&nbsp;All that would be required would be retrofitting the plane to take a 3910. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_KXJ2CoQy8/V4Pm106BNvI/AAAAAAAAHjg/t82Jtlb9FEszCQ2f9gp-zen0NHP1mGbIwCLcB/s1600/P1010040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_KXJ2CoQy8/V4Pm106BNvI/AAAAAAAAHjg/t82Jtlb9FEszCQ2f9gp-zen0NHP1mGbIwCLcB/s200/P1010040.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcVVZXayEdo/V4Pm2QC6kdI/AAAAAAAAHjo/ic7qpy0e5r4FkNvz7eqDxxybOT5-UtCJQCLcB/s1600/P1010041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcVVZXayEdo/V4Pm2QC6kdI/AAAAAAAAHjo/ic7qpy0e5r4FkNvz7eqDxxybOT5-UtCJQCLcB/s200/P1010041.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />Here, I am going to cheat a little bit and use pictures I took of my servo set up for an earlier article, though it's still the same plane. These are identical to the set up pictures in the manual with the exception that I use a Hitec fiber filled arm from the PN55709 servo arm set. With this arm I get a full 88 degrees of&nbsp;elevator travel, which comes in handy for hard tumbling maneuvers, walls, parachutes and generally any time you want to rotate the plane hard. Coupled with the massive torque of the HS5087MH servo on the elevator, pitch authority is insane even at terminal velocity speeds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xark-SMsjs/V4Pm2OoqNBI/AAAAAAAAHjk/pfHzpn7DylcLPAbQsjqgpvUiKSI0su9dACLcB/s1600/P1010037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xark-SMsjs/V4Pm2OoqNBI/AAAAAAAAHjk/pfHzpn7DylcLPAbQsjqgpvUiKSI0su9dACLcB/s400/P1010037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Special thanks to my friends at Hitec for providing the awesome servos for this project.</div><br /><br /><strong>Mounting The Xpwr 3910 In The MXS</strong><br />My RC Groups friend Cansfan from Arizona is a brilliant machinist,&nbsp;and he made up a mount for the 3910 that makes it a bolt on operation. Nice, simple, clean, and it will work on all the other 48" EXPs.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are working to make some more of these mounts, and as of this writing we are also working on distribution so the rest of you can enjoy this motor without having to modify your planes.<br /><br />Here you can see how much smaller Cansfan had to make the mount to fit the firewall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_-LaDjEgZk/V5qQats9WAI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/Vcr_U_ic5GUsYvcuJeJlcVtyQMNQI6oTACLcB/s1600/Both%2BMounts000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_-LaDjEgZk/V5qQats9WAI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/Vcr_U_ic5GUsYvcuJeJlcVtyQMNQI6oTACLcB/s200/Both%2BMounts000.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P65sE0HqQas/V5qQdGv4qxI/AAAAAAAAHlY/TrqSty_IGwAvURlhLPfHNOA6myuOFxOYACLcB/s1600/Both%2BMounts001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P65sE0HqQas/V5qQdGv4qxI/AAAAAAAAHlY/TrqSty_IGwAvURlhLPfHNOA6myuOFxOYACLcB/s200/Both%2BMounts001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;The front side of the motor is stepped to make the entire assembly the same length as a 2814 with it's&nbsp; mount attached. This way, you just simply swap the motors out and your cowl spacing and alignment says the same.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkibsUDdHlE/V5qR8zgVWII/AAAAAAAAHls/bm5k3szR5gsEZPmLMHouzQSY4pZmrcsVgCLcB/s1600/Scottmount%2BRear001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkibsUDdHlE/V5qR8zgVWII/AAAAAAAAHls/bm5k3szR5gsEZPmLMHouzQSY4pZmrcsVgCLcB/s200/Scottmount%2BRear001.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yP6WrJVqbd0/V5qQjeFP3zI/AAAAAAAAHlg/bGQsI2KF374HjrzmFdhNwY2nKCB0J1FKACLcB/s1600/Scottmoun%2BFront001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yP6WrJVqbd0/V5qQjeFP3zI/AAAAAAAAHlg/bGQsI2KF374HjrzmFdhNwY2nKCB0J1FKACLcB/s200/Scottmoun%2BFront001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Also notice the holes in the rear of the mount are deeply countersunk. This way you bolt the motor to the mount using the bolts that came with the motor. To make this conversion all I needed was Scott's mount and the stuff that came in the box.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZE-S6xD6S4/V5qQcVQQ7RI/AAAAAAAAHlk/mlpn_ym5uss8lKYlWOCtJ5fyL3rECjeogCEw/s1600/20160728_175944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZE-S6xD6S4/V5qQcVQQ7RI/AAAAAAAAHlk/mlpn_ym5uss8lKYlWOCtJ5fyL3rECjeogCEw/s400/20160728_175944.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As you can see, you simply bolt the thing on. The motor itself is so much bigger around than the bolt pattern on the firewall that you will need a good ball driver to secure the mount to the plane, but I just used a Dubro ball driver and it worked fine. On previous 3910 installations I had to discard the supplied mount, drill the firewall and rear mount the motor to the firewall itself. With the new mount, none of that is necessary. You just bolt it on the motor and then bolt the whole assembly to the firewall, just like you would do with the standard Torque 2814.<br /><br /><strong>Mounting The Superb Airboss 80 ESC</strong><br />I have been a huge fan of the Airboss 45 and 80 amp ESCs for as long as I can remember. In the 48" planes they have solved every problem I have ever encountered such as the need to be easy to program,&nbsp;to be 4s capable and having a 6 volt BEC. I have used these exclusively in all my planes for the last 10 years and have always had dead solid perfect throttle response and reliability. So, for this project there was never any other choice.<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9I-3ZlKsTn4/V40yzBAr3vI/AAAAAAAAHkY/pahNxwnVATo4SVDs1FHCgx2Omkf3N55wACEw/s1600/20160718_142009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9I-3ZlKsTn4/V40yzBAr3vI/AAAAAAAAHkY/pahNxwnVATo4SVDs1FHCgx2Omkf3N55wACEw/s400/20160718_142009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I mounted the Airboss on the bottom of the motorbox where the manual says to put the Airboss 45. Since this unit is a little heavier than the Airboss&nbsp;45 we usually use on this plane, I mounted it further back so the added&nbsp;weight would not affect the CG too much. As you can see, I used a block of balsa to raise the servo up enough to clear the first former, and then I could slide it back.&nbsp;&nbsp;This also works out well in moving the deans connector that goes to the battery back where it is easier to connect.<br /><br />This puts the ESC just behind to&nbsp;intake snorkel on the bottom of the cowling and in plenty of onrushing cool air, which is essential when you are pumping out 73 amps. This frees up the two upper intakes to cool the motor, which is greatly helped by the cooling baffles that come with every EXP. The MXS has the smallest cooling intakes in the EXP lineup, so you have to make your installation as thermally efficient as possible.<br /><br /><strong>Feeding The Servos</strong><br />This project will be a little different in that I won't be relying on the Airboss' 6 volt BEC. We need 7.4 to 8.0 volts to feed the MH servos, so for this I use a <a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/products/ccbec.html#" target="_blank"><strong>Castle Creations'&nbsp;10 amp BEC</strong></a><strong>.</strong> These are easy to use with their <a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/products/castle_link.html" target="_blank"><strong>Castle Link</strong></a>&nbsp;UBS programming cord. You download their <a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/downloads.html" target="_blank"><strong>Castle Link Program</strong></a>, plug everything together and simply select your BEC voltage. Even with my poor computer skills it was really easy. I've been using the Castle BEC on all of my 7.4 volt planes and they have worked flawlessly Generally I hate using a separate BEC because of the&nbsp;added complexity, but once I installed one or two I got used to it and it's no longer an issue. It's just part of what you have to do to build a bad ass airplane.<br /><strong></strong><br />After soldering the leads from the Castle BEC to my deans plug, I simply used Velcro to place it low in the fuselage where it (and it's wires) would be out of the way when changing out the battery. I dislike the complication of BECs because it's hard to get a really clean installation once you start adding wires, but this was not so bad.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Click To Enlarge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09tzoNR85s0/V400bB5lL9I/AAAAAAAAHks/q9Lie0G936w1FhwTyU5sbi8Y41A63Wo2ACLcB/s1600/20160718_142035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09tzoNR85s0/V400bB5lL9I/AAAAAAAAHks/q9Lie0G936w1FhwTyU5sbi8Y41A63Wo2ACLcB/s400/20160718_142035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Flying The Psycho Killer MXS</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">The world changed overnight. Literally.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">With the extra grunt afforded by the Xpwr&nbsp;3910's 1068 watt of power, the MXS becomes&nbsp;a totally different beast. I was not completely surprised since I had sampled this motor before in my Extra EXP, but I am still impressed with it. Every area of performance is enhanced, but let's break them down one by one.<br /><br /><strong>Speed:</strong> Top speed&nbsp;is more, obviously, but not quite as much as I was expecting. These are still big airframess that generate lift from a lot of drag producing area. Nothing is free. To push past that, the faster you go the more the power requirement multiplies exponentially, and I did not take that into consideration. I certainly was not disappointed because the MXS was bordering on scary before and now it's<em> just plain wicked</em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;My best guess is that it's about 10-15 mph faster. Then again, that's just a guess. It's certainly enough of an increase to demand a bit more respect from the pilot, and probably terrifying for lesser experienced pilots.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only does the speed itself make&nbsp;the plane more locked in during precision flying, but we also have an additional 2" of thrust (airflow) coming off the 14/8 prop, and going over the airframe and&nbsp;control surfaces. This makes response crisp and precise, thus enhancing high speed smoothness, precision and agility. I had experienced this with the 3910 powered Extra EXP, but this improvement was worth mentioning again.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">While we are talking about speed, now it's so serious that I emplore you to seal your hinge gaps and make your linkages as solid as you can. I did not experience any high speed flutter, but a plane prepared to less than the highest standards might, and that's certainly not covered under warranty.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">As such, I recommend that you avoid full power downlines. I've done it when no one was around, just to be absolutely certain I have the safest plane I know how to build, but I try to avoid that when the field is crowded or the easily frightened are around.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/176803565" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/176803565">MXS EXP__Flying The Psycho Killer MXS</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.&nbsp;</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Punch Out</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stunning. No amount of words can convey the way the plane simply disappears in a matter of seconds punching out of a hover, so check the video. If you have ever watched a football come off the foot of an NFL punter, that is&nbsp;what the MXS does when you hammer out out of a hover.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Vertical Pulling Power</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the vertical pulling power you can do loops and Cuban eights that are bigger than the flying field, and now at my smaller club I have to pay more attention to the airspace boundaries. If you like doing blenders and KE spins, or other falling type maneuvers, you get up&nbsp;&nbsp;there so fast that the time it takes is minimal enough that no one will lose interest. </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">In fact, initially I was having trouble setting up some maneuvers because under power the plane would climb so fast it would be too high before I could execute. Of course, it's the pilot's job to adapt, which I am still working on. At first it was hard to keep the plane on the deck simply because the motor would wrench the plane to altitude the moment you point the nose up. This is certainly not a complaint. It's just something you have to adapt to.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Acceleration</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you were to scale this plane up to full scale, the acceleration would make the&nbsp;pilot's head&nbsp;explode on the back of the canopy. At first, the plane was jumping out of harrier before I wanted it to, simply because I was not used to it's ability to generate speed from nothing. This is why a project like this is probably better for experienced pilots. If you are not careful the motor will make the plane jump out from under you. Just the acceleration alone is enough to make you second guess your own abilities.<br /><br />The acceleration, is however, very useful once you learn to harness it. It's just plain fun to fly the aero&nbsp;equivalent of a&nbsp;top fuel dragster. Drop the hammer and it's like a pair of&nbsp;twin turbos kicking in. Come on.....it's just fun to see it rocket away like that.<br /><br />From a near dead stop you can snap roll the plane really hard in a matter of seconds simply by accelerating to&nbsp;speed. That, and with more thrust going over the control surfaces from the bigger propeller, you can snap the plane harder with less actual ground speed.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Alpha Flight</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">This aspect of flight also changed as well. With so much grunt on hand you have to play your throttle with more finesse or the plane will jump right back onto it's wings and start flying again. I suppose it is already technically flying because so much air from the huge propeller&nbsp;is going over the plane, even when it's almost stopped, simply because of the large propeller.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Control response with&nbsp;the bigger propeller almost feels like you have more throw in the plane. If you are not careful setting up your hover with most planes, you can run out of ailerons to counter the torque, but with&nbsp;larger cone of thrust (airflow) coming off the prop, this stops being an issue.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Harrier is greatly improved because of not only improved airflow, but now you have the power to<br />hold the nose at a much higher angle, and simply rocket away if you stall the plane.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/176803723" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/176803723">MXS EXP__Flying The Psycho Killer MXS Part II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Nail</strong><br />What we have done here is roughly equivalent to jamming a big V8 into a Volkswagen Beetle, so it's not going to be the same plane. This is a very advanced project and never intended for&nbsp;beginners. With the addition of the Xpwr 3910, now&nbsp;you'de better really&nbsp;know what you are doing. The Xpwr 3910 turns the MXS into such a serious 3DXA weapon that you need to stay on top of it. For experienced pilots, they know enough to adapt, but the newer guys are much better off with the easier handling of the standard 2814, which is already enough power to make the MXS one of the baddest planes around.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">However, for those who are always looking for the extreme and want as much power as you can jam into the plane, I believe you will be much more than satisfied. Just remember that this is now a <em><strong><u>very</u></strong></em> serious airplane and to fly it responsibly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdkG6HxZulg/V5vc_qOzGjI/AAAAAAAAHm8/qiVk8EolxHsSOAFLsilHflsF-rrP31HuQCLcB/s1600/TP_MXS%2BEXP__Red__013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdkG6HxZulg/V5vc_qOzGjI/AAAAAAAAHm8/qiVk8EolxHsSOAFLsilHflsF-rrP31HuQCLcB/s640/TP_MXS%2BEXP__Red__013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">﻿</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-8388590976822798822016-07-22T10:43:00.001-04:002016-07-24T01:25:50.776-04:00Videoing EXPs in 60fps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVbofI-v7bA/V5Iwf7Mn7VI/AAAAAAAAHlA/hWaVUZAjluADklDmDt4oN9W5ZueYHw7owCLcB/s1600/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP__Blue__019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVbofI-v7bA/V5Iwf7Mn7VI/AAAAAAAAHlA/hWaVUZAjluADklDmDt4oN9W5ZueYHw7owCLcB/s640/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP__Blue__019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />When I first started editing video, I messed around with all the settings trying to find the best quality. When I changed the Frames Per Second (FPS) setting from 30fsp to 60fps,&nbsp;my editing program kept giving me errors. Since that worked out so poorly, I never tried it again. I switched to Windows Seven and quality was so much better that&nbsp;I was happy enough with the default settings. <br /><br />Always wanting to do better, though, I thought I would take another stab at the settings. Now that I have switched from Windows XP to Windows Seven, the 60fps setting&nbsp;works beautifully. The picture and clarity is much better and the colors are more vibrant too. We plan to edit in 60fps from now on, but will also experiment with 100fps and see how that works.<br /><br />We recently shot some 60" Extra footage that I was reasonably pleased with, and fortunately I kept the raw footage. I edited the footage again at the higher frame rate am really, really pleased with the picture quality. Still working on the flying, though.<br /><br />First are the four full flights, and after that is a montage containing the best of those four flights. That particular one is my favorite because for one, it's all of the best flying from the day, but I also found a really stunning soundtrack to fit it. Obviously I want you to watch all of them, but if you only have time (or patience) for one check out the last 60 Extra video on this page,&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/170325676">The Scorch Trials In 60FPS 1 Thru 4</a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231739" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/167231739">The Scorch Trials In 60FPS</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231801" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/167231801">The Scorch Trials In 60FPS 002</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>. </div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231857" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/167231857">The Scorch Trials In 60FPS 003</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231883" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/167231883">The Scorch Trials In 60FPS 004</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the four flight montage..........&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/170325676" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/170325676">The Scorch Trials In 60FPS 1 Thru 4</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><br />Murder SHP keeps rolling on, only now in 60fps<br />&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/175986553" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/175986553">Extra SHP__SHP In 60fps</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-44291772578837319762016-06-21T23:09:00.000-04:002016-06-25T20:19:11.985-04:00Installing The Xpwr 3910 In A 48" EXP<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz9k-TrWwes/V2n-4syVjnI/AAAAAAAAHiw/ec97fNUl8k84XbXzJFl3wB8oPFD_nnhNgCLcB/s1600/Xpwr%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz9k-TrWwes/V2n-4syVjnI/AAAAAAAAHiw/ec97fNUl8k84XbXzJFl3wB8oPFD_nnhNgCLcB/s640/Xpwr%2BLogo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Things came together so fast when I got my new Xpwr 3910 that I forgot to take installation photos.&nbsp; I have transferred the motor to another plane so I could do this installation article. As always, the plane of choice for me whenever I try something new is the Extreme Flight Extra EXP. I am so familiar with this plane that is it my baseline for anything I want to experiment with.<br /><br />This airframe is relatively new. It was meant to be a backup plane so it has very little time on it. This<br />made it ideal for this article. If you are building a new EXP or want to convert an older one to the Xpwr 3910, the process is the same.<br /><br />Installation is really quite easy, but having good pictures makes telling the story much easier.<br /><br />The first step&nbsp;was to remove the 2814 motor that I was using. The 2814&nbsp; and Xpwr 3910share the same bolt hole pattern for mounting the X mount to the motor, so the X mount itself makes a perfect drill jig for mounting the Xpwr 3910. Remove the X mount from the 2814 and bolt it to the firewall. To the left is the bare firewall with the motor removed, and right is the firewall with the X mount bolted into place.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJbkGxvd3_U/V2noo9xCaCI/AAAAAAAAHgU/3m7WR_lkl_wSyep7ipgYXyzilQZZS1g2QCLcB/s1600/Srock%2BFirewall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJbkGxvd3_U/V2noo9xCaCI/AAAAAAAAHgU/3m7WR_lkl_wSyep7ipgYXyzilQZZS1g2QCLcB/s200/Srock%2BFirewall.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqLKls2fYIU/V2npEDeeg-I/AAAAAAAAHgk/CpL_DIxKyd8Nm_eRvWR4OKGnPmivN4neACLcB/s1600/X%2BMount%2BOn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqLKls2fYIU/V2npEDeeg-I/AAAAAAAAHgk/CpL_DIxKyd8Nm_eRvWR4OKGnPmivN4neACLcB/s200/X%2BMount%2BOn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here I have marked in red the holes we will be drilling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvgyqB108Do/V2nxCKCwqrI/AAAAAAAAHg4/0PwE4LXK_8k7Lneshg5sEWpXK-MQU8ggQCLcB/s1600/X%2BMount%2BOn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvgyqB108Do/V2nxCKCwqrI/AAAAAAAAHg4/0PwE4LXK_8k7Lneshg5sEWpXK-MQU8ggQCLcB/s320/X%2BMount%2BOn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just for reference. I used a sharpie to make sure I had plenty of wood surrounding the hole I will be drilling. On the left, I am marking the holes, and on the right, I've removed the mount to check my work. You can see we have plenty of wood to work with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_obZ9N5Ao4/V2nxlNYatFI/AAAAAAAAHhI/Jafmwc7w1QMo1BjYgA3aLfZChY0tOO-vgCLcB/s1600/Mark%2BHoles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_obZ9N5Ao4/V2nxlNYatFI/AAAAAAAAHhI/Jafmwc7w1QMo1BjYgA3aLfZChY0tOO-vgCLcB/s200/Mark%2BHoles.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaOETYeeIU0/V2nxilOZjFI/AAAAAAAAHhA/sgFu1u4LfvskHhgIvxStyHhVnZCA90OIACLcB/s1600/Holes%2BMarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaOETYeeIU0/V2nxilOZjFI/AAAAAAAAHhA/sgFu1u4LfvskHhgIvxStyHhVnZCA90OIACLcB/s200/Holes%2BMarked.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can either drill on the marks you made with the sharpie or put the mount back on and use it as a drill jig. I preferred to drill through the mount because it's more precise that way. Once you get them drilled, then make them larger for the 4mm bolts we will be using to mount the motor.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHpm_5AP8V8/V2nzKEJHDCI/AAAAAAAAHhY/SOpnWT8t-UAWXwWvFrFsg0ZbVS7rU_MewCLcB/s1600/Drill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHpm_5AP8V8/V2nzKEJHDCI/AAAAAAAAHhY/SOpnWT8t-UAWXwWvFrFsg0ZbVS7rU_MewCLcB/s400/Drill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK. the hard part is done. Now it's just a matter of assembly. If you have built any of the 60" EXPs, you have some 4mm bolts left over. These are used to attach the X mount on the 60" planes, but it just happens to be the same thread as on the back of the Xpwr 3910. Put a washer on each of the bolts and run them forward&nbsp;through through the holes you drilled in the firewall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing to be careful of is to use the right length bolt. 60" EXPs usually come with three different lengths of 4mm bolts. You can't use the long one because it will protrude into the motor and hit the windings, which would be real bad. The short ones are too short, so I use the middle ones. They protrude just enough into the motor that you can see them, but not enough to get close to the windings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIVvVkNA9NM/V2n1CI69N-I/AAAAAAAAHhk/qucFOTfaY-YKH-lTaN78xeDgSQOpuMLiwCLcB/s1600/Bolts%2BInstalled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIVvVkNA9NM/V2n1CI69N-I/AAAAAAAAHhk/qucFOTfaY-YKH-lTaN78xeDgSQOpuMLiwCLcB/s320/Bolts%2BInstalled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since the 3910 is a shorter motor, you will need to space the motor away from the firewall. I used&nbsp;1/4" spacers that I got at Home Depot in the fasteners section. Below, use a washer first, then the spacer, and then another washer. You may need to use one more or one less washer to get the spacing just right&nbsp;depending on how your cowling lines up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa9IWvhFfkY/V2n1_Zy_DeI/AAAAAAAAHhw/LAoMUTxI4egUWRn8h02ft9yt84IugtqOQCLcB/s1600/Bolts%2Band%2BWashers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa9IWvhFfkY/V2n1_Zy_DeI/AAAAAAAAHhw/LAoMUTxI4egUWRn8h02ft9yt84IugtqOQCLcB/s320/Bolts%2Band%2BWashers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All that is left to do now is use a long allen driver to reach through the battery compartment forward to to bolts on the back side of the firewall and screw them onto the back of the Xpwr 3910.&nbsp; Work carefully and slowly to make sure you get the bolts threaded in straight and get them snug, <em>just for now.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then screw the cowling back on and check alignment with your spinner. Add or remove washers until you get the spacing to your liking. Once you have that the way you want it, go back and tighten the motor mounting bolts down for good. You can either use blue locktite or just check for tightness every so often. I don't really like Locktite, so I just try to stay on top of my maintenance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see I used a washer on each side of the 1/4" spacer and my cowl spacing came out perfect. Yours may vary, so adjust by add/removing washers until you are happy with it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGpFzj0RpMw/V2n3wY1MX4I/AAAAAAAAHh8/K92ZAxQTZtEeOg5k9lTFJZE_gD4GwJkgACLcB/s1600/Motor%2BInstalled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGpFzj0RpMw/V2n3wY1MX4I/AAAAAAAAHh8/K92ZAxQTZtEeOg5k9lTFJZE_gD4GwJkgACLcB/s400/Motor%2BInstalled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is my gap and I am actually really pleased with it. Nothing looks worse than a huge gap, unless it's the spinner rubbing on the cowling, so take your time to get it just right. I think if you start with the 1/4" spacer and a washer on each side that will get you really close.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-e43fU-HNE/V2n5Ny5SAUI/AAAAAAAAHiU/8g6_C2G7UB8gmWuLwDnPqUo8fu90WaiSACLcB/s1600/Spinner%2BGap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-e43fU-HNE/V2n5Ny5SAUI/AAAAAAAAHiU/8g6_C2G7UB8gmWuLwDnPqUo8fu90WaiSACLcB/s320/Spinner%2BGap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Xpwr 3910 puts out 1068 watts at 73 amps.As such, we also need to change out the speed controller to an Airboss 80. Here you can see I mounted it on the bottom of the motorbox, but knowing it was heavier than the Airboss 45, I simply moved it back about 1/2 from where I normally put it, and like this my CG did not change. It's a very neat arrangement that puts the ESC right in front of the Extra's chin cooling scoop and directly in the line of incoming&nbsp;air. With the baffles on either side of the motor, and the ESC in direct incoming air, this keeps the whole package nice and cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember to set the timing on your Airboss 80 to "high." That's how mine is and it runs perfectly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMYAaPqS7sk/V2n5mo6JW8I/AAAAAAAAHic/2HnN6VJWY_E_L3XVJNZenTIR0L1-MPM_QCLcB/s1600/Airboss%2B8-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMYAaPqS7sk/V2n5mo6JW8I/AAAAAAAAHic/2HnN6VJWY_E_L3XVJNZenTIR0L1-MPM_QCLcB/s400/Airboss%2B8-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK, as always, all&nbsp;of this stuff seems to be a never ending work in progress. we plan to do much, much more with the Xpwr 3910, and of course the Extra, so stay tuned to the blog for updates. We hope to shoot more video on the next clear day, so please follow my blog and tell all your friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;Video</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/172255450" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/172255450">Extra EXP__Faster</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRPbdaZkclI/V2oN7-Vt7rI/AAAAAAAAHjA/fRFC5alC4bskX7EIb4PvfUU0jIMwhdnDwCLcB/s1600/TP_Extra%2BEXP_Red__041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRPbdaZkclI/V2oN7-Vt7rI/AAAAAAAAHjA/fRFC5alC4bskX7EIb4PvfUU0jIMwhdnDwCLcB/s640/TP_Extra%2BEXP_Red__041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-13637052518430411352016-06-20T21:16:00.001-04:002016-10-14T16:15:02.932-04:00Testing the Xpwr 3910<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">This will be some installation and flying notes on the new Xpwr T3910 motor. I will fly the motor much more this week and do a complete write up, but for now people want to know about the motor </span></em><em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">installation and the performance as fast as we can get the information out, so let's get started:&nbsp;</span></em>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbPxnFXFlrk/V2ipzBms1nI/AAAAAAAAHfo/0YQMgu0fsYAXrOgx4OocIrUzc5cPb7WjACLcB/s1600/Extreme%2BFlight%2BVideo%2BArtworkk%2B002%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbPxnFXFlrk/V2ipzBms1nI/AAAAAAAAHfo/0YQMgu0fsYAXrOgx4OocIrUzc5cPb7WjACLcB/s400/Extreme%2BFlight%2BVideo%2BArtworkk%2B002%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First release from the new Extreme Flight power systems company is the&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Xpwr-T3910-Motor_p_2442.html" target="_blank">Xpwr&nbsp;T3910</a></strong>, intended for current and future 48" EXP series planes. I chose to put mine in my trusty red Extra EXP and with a little fiddling it fit perfectly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, the motor is both bigger around and shorter than the 2814, so we have to fiddle with it a little bit to get a perfect fit, but it was actually very easy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4igPGp3gaA/V2h1V3muGkI/AAAAAAAAHek/tJwx_D7dBccoGPPOdYT60UhwbyrQ9XReQCLcB/s1600/20160620_140827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4igPGp3gaA/V2h1V3muGkI/AAAAAAAAHek/tJwx_D7dBccoGPPOdYT60UhwbyrQ9XReQCLcB/s320/20160620_140827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main reason this motor was developed was not only to provide a lot of power, but also to swing a massive Xoar&nbsp;14.8 propeller. I tested mine with a Thunder Power 4s 2700 70C magna series lipo, fully&nbsp;charged, and came out with 1068 watts and 73 amps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's a thousand and sixty eight watts on a 48" plane. That's kind of nuts, but then again, the whole idea is extreme power, and this is it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Flying</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This motor is putting out about 38% more power than a 700 watt 2814, so the difference in the air is startling. Acceleration is blinding and it's fun just to punch it and watch the plane rocket away. You can judge for yourself how much power is available for punching out of a hover, but it's considerable. The thing just climbs like a football after a solid punt. After a few seconds, it's just gone.&nbsp; With this kind of power you have to watch your altitude because you can exceed 400 feet pretty quickly. Mostly, when you are at full speed and&nbsp;power, and pull the nose up, it just <em>never</em> slows down. I'm pretty sure if you had enough battery it would pull the plane all the way to the moon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top speed is <em>definitely</em> more.&nbsp; It's hard to quantify because this motor is so quiet that mutes some of the perception of speed. This motor doesn't use energy making noise. It uses energy making power. It's a totally different sound from the Torques we are used to, but I kind of like this sound too. It's less of a "whine" and more of a "whoosh."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wood props seem to make a little less noise too, so I am sure with an APC it will bark very nicely.&nbsp; Right now it's very, very quiet, and it's not until you fly it fast in close that you can see it's clearly going a lot faster than with the 2814. Will will have to run some back to back radar tests with my 2814 equipped Extra top be sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I failed to convey is that the new motor pushes the plane into the next dimension. Literally. Out of all the things we argue about making a performance difference, this is truly the quantum leap. If you want a day and night difference, just bolt a 3810 on and hold on to your butt.</div><br />With that huge 14/8 prop, there is a lot more air going over the plane at every speed. as long as you have a little power on, it's blowing enough air over all the EXP's huge surfaces to keep it afloat. Like this, it certainly seems like the plane is flying much, much lighter. It's not really lighter.....the big propeller is just producing more lift.<br /><br />When you are flying around in harrier, you always have full control, simply because there is so much air going over the plane. If you get too slow or need a bit more control authority, a sharp blast of about 1/2 throttle is enough to wrench the plane the way you want it to go. As you can see in the videos, punch out is insane. Now we are bordering more on model rocketry than model aviation!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Dimension X</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flying the extra with the big 14/8 Xoar prop takes this plane to the next dimension. Post stall character is so much improved that it is almost a totally different plane in hovers, harrier and elevators. it feels much lighter, but that's because the big prop is providing so much more lift in post stall flight.&nbsp;&nbsp;At high speed, while the 3910 still makes the plane much faster, it is still restricted by airframe drag. However, because of the monster prop, there is still more air going over everything and he plane locks in almost like a stability system. It's uncanny how much more solid the plane is all the way around.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the Airboss 80 ESC I've got the same smooth, linear throttle response I am used to from all my other Airboss equipped planes (which is all of them), so I had confidence in the power delivery right away. It just operates like its supposed to, except there's a lot more power available.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the first video, I left off the usual musical sound track so you could hear the new sound of the 3810, and how the plane reacts to the power. The second video is our usual musical presentation.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/171506733" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/171506733">Extra EXP__Testing The Xpwr 3910</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And for those of you who refer a musical presentation, see below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/171506859" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/171506859">Extra EXP__Testing The Xpwr 3910__A Musical</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Installation</strong></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While this part might look a little daunting it's actually no big deal. The worst part was planning it out in my head, and that made me crazy for awhile, but now I've got it figured out.<br />&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Xpwr 3910 comes with an X mount that is way too big to fit the 48" EXP series planes, so we have to mount this motor without it. Here we get lucky because&nbsp;the motor bolt pattern (for the bolts that hold the X mount on)&nbsp;is the same as the 2814. Like this, I simply bolted a 2814 X mount to the firewall and use it as a jig to drill the new holes in the firewall.&nbsp; Equally lucky is that there is plenty of meat surrounding the new holes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2VFHea6soA/V2jClFItYMI/AAAAAAAAHgA/FkS80LVphao7p9QM5icdVziRk83JmMoOgCLcB/s1600/20160620_195750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2VFHea6soA/V2jClFItYMI/AAAAAAAAHgA/FkS80LVphao7p9QM5icdVziRk83JmMoOgCLcB/s400/20160620_195750.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />From there you simply find some allen bolts the right thread and length and run them from the backside of the firewall into the rear of the 3910. I used some of the 4m bolts that come with the 60" EXPs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjNxtiRfhv4/V2h1Y-dI6II/AAAAAAAAHes/GA21uaUyMr8y4IP_Zlc49Yr1SmBzmN5NgCLcB/s1600/20160620_140859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjNxtiRfhv4/V2h1Y-dI6II/AAAAAAAAHes/GA21uaUyMr8y4IP_Zlc49Yr1SmBzmN5NgCLcB/s400/20160620_140859.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since this motor is so much shorter than the 2814, you need to space it out, For this I went to Home Depot and found 1/4" nylon spacers in their fastener department. With a washer on both sides of the spacer mine came out just right, but yours may need more or less washers to get the spacing perfect, especially if you have already mounted your cowling and are retrofitting the plane like I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci1dyEPckOI/V2h1XljesDI/AAAAAAAAHeo/rJKTGEiOb_IBcCRYI2lMF-XfDAoFkgM1QCLcB/s1600/20160620_140847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci1dyEPckOI/V2h1XljesDI/AAAAAAAAHeo/rJKTGEiOb_IBcCRYI2lMF-XfDAoFkgM1QCLcB/s400/20160620_140847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The best speed controller for this motor is the Airboss 80 ESC with the timing set to high. Here I velcroed it to the bottom of the motorbox, which is right in front of the cooling slot under the spinner, so there will be plenty of cool air flowing over the esc. One important thing to note is that you want to set the timing on your Airboss 80 ESC to "high." <em>The Boss</em> told me to do this and everything works perfectly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOtb2f69BZA/V2h1bWNztgI/AAAAAAAAHe4/uY9rdg1GSoEdus0Y2VN3osMKQq6JzlKcACLcB/s1600/20160620_140941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOtb2f69BZA/V2h1bWNztgI/AAAAAAAAHe4/uY9rdg1GSoEdus0Y2VN3osMKQq6JzlKcACLcB/s400/20160620_140941.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEcjhMdnlto/V2jCQ00kPbI/AAAAAAAAHf4/m0YTDSl0oc0hLLKIfxi5L1uVNRlzB6TvQCLcB/s1600/Partner%2BArtwork%2B003%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEcjhMdnlto/V2jCQ00kPbI/AAAAAAAAHf4/m0YTDSl0oc0hLLKIfxi5L1uVNRlzB6TvQCLcB/s640/Partner%2BArtwork%2B003%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-39458954375121057102016-05-23T13:23:00.003-04:002016-05-24T12:31:01.277-04:00Extra SHP__Less Power Better For Learning 3D &nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpLyx43XGLs/V0MgGvL3cmI/AAAAAAAAHdM/ilMbej1CdmgRjnW9rIWECJFqArB3E3RVQCLcB/s1600/Extra%2BSHP%2BLightning%2BArtwork%2B0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpLyx43XGLs/V0MgGvL3cmI/AAAAAAAAHdM/ilMbej1CdmgRjnW9rIWECJFqArB3E3RVQCLcB/s640/Extra%2BSHP%2BLightning%2BArtwork%2B0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are seeing so many new faces at RC Groups, and they are all wanting to know what the best plane for learning 3D is. Years ago the Extra SHP was unchallenged for it's confidence inspiring, if not downright silly amount of stability. This has changed a little as airframe technology has caught up with this ten year old design, but not so much that the SHP is not still a most excellent choice, if even not the best. It is still such an excellent airframe that I plan to always have at least one in the fleet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then again, I have always loved this plane, to the point that now I am so familiar with it that flying it is second nature. I know how to build and set one up (which isn't that difficult if you follow the manual), and exactly what to expect from it. This is not from any great amount of skill, rather extended experience flying the SHP. The plane is now like an old, well worn pair of slippers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not so by coincidence, this is also exactly what you need when learning 3D to begin with. You need a plane that is so stable it's hard to get into trouble, but agile enough that you can fly your way out of it. The SHP is as close to the perfect balance of capable, but forgiving as I have come across.<br /><br /><strong>Most of You already Have 3s Packs</strong><br />What is so beautiful about 3s power for new 3D pilots is most of you already have 3s 2200-3000 packs from your EFlite Apprentices and T29s, Mini Ultra Sticks and mini Pulses. You already have the packs and probably a good charger, so you can move right into a quality high performance 3D machine with a minimum of expense.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you step up into a 4s EXP, things change pretty quickly, and these planes are really made for pilots with a little more experience. You can still easily learn 3D on an EXP, but they have also<br />tought me more than a textbook's worth about hardcore, ragged edge flying. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have flown all of my EXPs on 3s and 4s packs, but since they are a little heavier and much, much &nbsp;larger (regardless of nearly identical&nbsp;wingspan) they respond better to the 4s treatment. That, and they were designed to be totally bad ass, so it doesn't make much sense to fly one on 3s unless you want something really super gentle. The 3DHS Extra is a lighter plane, so it responds better to the lower power treatment. On 3s, all the EXPs are really good, but the SHP is a little better.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have gone all over the place with the SHP on set up. I recently tried it n 4s, and it was a beast. The thing was scorching fast, but oddly flying on 3s seems to suit the plane's character more. Years ago the great Andrew Jesky shared his formula with me, and that was to shoot for 180 watts of power per pound. I need to weigh the current plane and take some power readings, but when this plane was called the SR we did the math with the Torque 2814 on Thunder Power 3s 2250 30C packs and a 13/6,5 APC prop&nbsp;at 200 watts per pound. This is a little more than Andrew's formula, but more power is more fun, and rather than prop down, I simply adapted to it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now running Thunder Power's superb 3s 2250 55C Lightning packs, I am sure I am getting a little bit more, but I've also added a little weight with dual ball link hardware, elevator SFGs and slightly heavier HS5070MH servos with a Castle BEC. My last SHP did not have these features, but I honestly can't tell the difference in flight outside of the servos being more torquey and responsive.&nbsp; A <em>little</em> bit of weight doesn't hurt this plane much.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/166666225" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/166666225">Extra SHP__The Gale Force Experiments</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br /><br />For learning 3D you not only need a solid airframe with benign handling characteristics, but also one that is light weight. As such, I was loathe to add any weight at all, but there was no way around it considering the additional equipment I added. I seriously doubt it was more than 1/2 ounce or so, but I will take the plane to the post office and weigh it&nbsp;to be sure.<br /><br />A lighter plane is better for learning because it will stall at a lower speed, and accelerate faster into flying speed when you hammer the power. With this in mind, the smaller (3s 2240 compared to 4s 2700) and lighter packs make a noticeable difference, Even on 4s this is a pretty light weigh plane, but on 3s it's character becomes much more forgiving of mistake in near stall and post stall flight.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/166671418" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/166671418">Extra SHP__The Gale Force Experiments II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dropping to 3s will cost you some power, and outright speed, but you don't need that when you are learning, or when you want a super easy flying plane. With less voltage coming in, the power delivery is a little less spikey.&nbsp;Imagine driving fast on a wet, curvy road. If you are in a&nbsp;Nissan Sentra controlling the 120 or so horsepower would be a lot easier than trying to keep from spinning the tires were you driving a 600hp Corvette. The power on the slower car doesn't explode and jump out from under you in the Nissan, but in the 'Vette you really have to be careful.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's much the same with planes because in 3D a lot of times the plane is not travelling in the same direction as it is pointing. Essentially, you are sliding the plane through the air much like you would slide a car on a wet road, and lower power makes this easier to manage.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">With big power it is harder to find a constant setting to maintain a hover or harrier. The power bursts can pull you out of post stall flight when you don't mean for it to, whereas it is easier to feed in smaller amounts with a less powerful set up.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/166701619" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/166701619">Extra SHP__The Gale Force Experiments III</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Certainly you want enough power to punch out of a hover with good authority, and you don't really need to rocket out anyway. My initial thoughts when learning 3D was that I wanted monster power to pull me out of trouble, but when I dropped to 3s I found out that with less power I learned to stay ahead of the plane better so I actually got into less trouble to begin with. Couple that with lighter weight, I had more time to collect myself and <em>fly</em> out.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Equally crucial is that dropping to 3s allows you to go up in diameter from a 12/6 to&nbsp;either a 13/6.5&nbsp; to a 14/7 propeller. This gives you a bigger cone of vectored thrust (air from the prop) flowing over the plane to provide lift and control response. I usually like the 13/6.5 because it gives you a really sweet balance between lots of vectored thrust and sport type top speed. The 14/7 gives you crazy vectored thrust and slow/stalled control, but the top end suffers a little too much for my liking. Still, the&nbsp;14" prop the plane becomes more like a ceiling fan with turning vanes, so 3D is crazy easy.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sure, big power is crazy fun, but that's what my 4s planes are for. When I want a super easy, no stress plane, I always take the SHP out on 3s packs. With less power I can keep the plane closer in, slow it down more, have better post stall control (thanks to the bigger prop). It is just easier to fly all the way around, but assuredly you give up some of the blistering insane performance that 4s delivers.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Any set up change you make is going to deliver a performance compromise, so to break this down in easier to understand terms, more power is more performance and less power gives you an easier to fly plane. For the new guys, the easier plane is going to be the best choice.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just for grins, I also had a chance to fly a friend's 3DHS Edge 48" Edge 540 on 3s 55C and it was a hoot. I think the SHP is still probably a better plane for me, but the Edge was certainly really close. It was stable and easy and I liked it so much I plan to build one this summer.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/159582151" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/159582151">3DHS Edge 540__Just Some Fun</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just for reference, you can see the Extreme Flight Extra EXP is completely capable on 3s. I flew mine this way for a few months until I discovered it is better suited to 4s. The plane is so much larger in every respect that it creates more lift, but also more drag. 3s just is not enough to wring all the performance out of it, but it was still perfectly capable on 3s. It's just a world better on 4s.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/18135647" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/18135647">Extreme Flight Extra EXP__Wind Games</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />So, you pick the kind of performance you are after to match the kind of flying you want to do. For extreme and high speed aerobatics on 48" class planes, 4s is tough to beat with it's monster power. For easy, slow 3D and lots of post stall control, 3s and the bigger prop and more vectored thrust works best. <br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>3S As A pragmatic Choice</strong><br />Yeah, pragmatism isn't the #1 goal when you are searching for performance, but in this case it makes complete sense. In addition to the lighter weight and bigger prop, 3S comes up big in the dollar column. We are running Thunder Power 3s 2250 55C Lightning packs in my SHP and they are terrific on every level. <br /><br />Thunder Power 3s 2250 55C Lightning packs are very reasonably priced at $36.99 per pack. With this you get a two year warranty and a 30% off crash replacement policy. Occasionally you can catch Thunder Power having a 40% or 50% off sale, so if you consider you can get these for as little as $18, that's a really good value. These are another good reason that 3s makes a lot of sense.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWFd4jKXQCY/V0SAtVD1SJI/AAAAAAAAHds/wubJsSNA2lQ1gbRuarcXYhT9G4n-jRxewCLcB/s1600/20150714_183058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWFd4jKXQCY/V0SAtVD1SJI/AAAAAAAAHds/wubJsSNA2lQ1gbRuarcXYhT9G4n-jRxewCLcB/s400/20150714_183058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Most of you who are flying 3s sport planes already have these packs from your EFlite Apprentices, T28, Mini Pulses and Mini Ultra Sticks, so you can just keep using them. You can keep using your same charger too, though the ones that come with the Apprentice and T28 are low power and slow. I also don't believe those chargers do balance charging, which you really want for more performance and long life.<br /><br />There are a lot of good chargers on the market, but for these 3s packs I heartily recommend the Thunder Power TP610C AC/DC. Part of this unit's beauty is that you can use either 12 or 110 volts to power it. This means you can charge from your car battery or any 110 volt outlet.&nbsp; If you don't have electricity at the field, or all the charge stations are in use, you simply hook it up to your car. Then when you go home, you can charge from a 110v outlet in your garage or shop.<br /><br />Programming the 610 AC/DC is very simple and intuitive. I figured mine out without even consulting the manual, though it's always better to read the manual. The charger has 12 memories, so you set it up once and then pick the memory you want for the pack you are charging. even if you make a mistake, the charger reads the pack and knows how many cells and what capacity it's dealing with. If you put in the wrong number of cells, the charger kicks out and sounds an alarm.<br /><br />When using 55C packs, the charger is well within the limits of what the battery can take, so you can't accidentally overcharge and potentially cause a charging fire through overcharging. Part of what I like about this charger and high charge rate batteries is that there is not enough power to put too many amps into the pack, even if you screw up.<br /><br />&nbsp;The charger is very, very versatile, and I jeep on in the flight box, and another under the seat in my car in case someone else needs to use&nbsp;it. Most of he time when I lend it out, those people end up buying their own.<br /><br />With a 55C discharge rate, these packs have really good punch. that alone makes them worth it, but also remember they have a 12C charge rate. I use a <strong><a href="http://www.thunderpowerrc.com/Products/Chargers_2/1-6-CELL-LIPO-LIFE-1-14-CELL-NICD-NIMH-0-10-10-0-AMP-AC-DC-CHARGER-DISCHARGER-W-BALANCER" target="_blank">Thunder Power TP610C AC/DC</a></strong> charger which pumps out 8 amps for 3s. The packs are capable of taking 32 amps, so 8 amps is not even beginning to push them hard.&nbsp; At 8 amps I can charge one of these packs in about 12-16 minutes, which is jolly good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jid_9OViEyU/V0R9EJr0kBI/AAAAAAAAHdg/Jlzd_bTtGZA0iMI2uhhTh5FeSfwkDeYmACLcB/s1600/THP610ACDC%252520Display%252520Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jid_9OViEyU/V0R9EJr0kBI/AAAAAAAAHdg/Jlzd_bTtGZA0iMI2uhhTh5FeSfwkDeYmACLcB/s400/THP610ACDC%252520Display%252520Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>With my <strong><a href="http://www.thunderpowerrc.com/Products/Chargers_2/TP1430C" target="_blank">Thunder Power TP820CD high power charger</a></strong>, I can get up to 20 amps per pack, and can charge two at a time. At 20 amp, I have charged a 3s 2250 in eight minutes, and you just about can't use them up fast enough.<br /><br />By the time you put a pack on charge, get something to drink, and fly another pack, the first pack is almost always ready to go again, so you really only new two packs and you can fly all day with next to no waiting between flights.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg9idpSYwaQ/V0SBOFXQ5aI/AAAAAAAAHdw/3PBw0fu6qeUi_XqgMl-4bgcSAscE5xUwgCLcB/s1600/Extra%2BSHP%2BLightning%2BArtwork%2B0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg9idpSYwaQ/V0SBOFXQ5aI/AAAAAAAAHdw/3PBw0fu6qeUi_XqgMl-4bgcSAscE5xUwgCLcB/s400/Extra%2BSHP%2BLightning%2BArtwork%2B0006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6hzhJGVkgg/V0MgP1t_ReI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/mLO15-JKMUoqH3BHLDGOaB13GWPND9TAQCLcB/s1600/3DHS%2B41%2BEdge__002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6hzhJGVkgg/V0MgP1t_ReI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/mLO15-JKMUoqH3BHLDGOaB13GWPND9TAQCLcB/s320/3DHS%2B41%2BEdge__002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-12238777408333642252016-05-20T12:13:00.001-04:002016-06-15T01:10:28.743-04:00 Extra EXP__Video Showcase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuaMWqZZ8RA/Vz8z61pfQeI/AAAAAAAAHcU/fV2Atkh9xSMgMJ2cGSPA-Q2ktzaXyyIRACKgB/s1600/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP__Blue__027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuaMWqZZ8RA/Vz8z61pfQeI/AAAAAAAAHcU/fV2Atkh9xSMgMJ2cGSPA-Q2ktzaXyyIRACKgB/s640/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP__Blue__027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The love affair with the Extreme Flight Extra EXP continues still, and will probably never end. Like I say, if airplanes are women, the Extra is the classy, elegant brunette that you take home to meet your Mom, and the one you probably end up marrying. At this point, it looks like I am an Extra man for life, which is fine since I love brunettes too!<br /><br />The 60" Extra has it's own special allure. This size plane has special meaning for me because I grew up flying 0.60 nitro&nbsp;powered 60" Ugly Sticks, 60" Kaos,&nbsp;and other planes of that size. This&nbsp;size has always been my idea of a serious plane. Of course, this changed with the arrival of the very serious&nbsp;48" class&nbsp;electric 3D planes from first Extreme Flight and shortly later 3DHS, but the 60 size planes still have a different kind of appeal for me and I hold them in a special reverence.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As far as the title of "Scorch Trials," I just couldn't come up with anything we have not already used, so I "borrowed" the title from a movie we recently saw!&nbsp;It's getting up into the 90s in Florida right now, so the title is not entirely inappropriate.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231739" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/167231739">Extra EXP__Scorch Trials 001</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was not even planning to shoot video this week, but my friend Octavio Battaglia has some serious video shooting skill. Lately with the dodgy lighting conditions at SPARKS, the focus has been fading in and out, which is a bit maddening when you are trying to make quality video. Octavio found the fixed focus feature in my phone and we think that has fixed the focus problem. At least it has on these videos. So, thanks Octavio!</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, Octavio does really good work and he didn't miss a shot all day. There was a hiccup on the forth video when the camera shut down right at the start, but Octavio got it working and caught the tail end of the opening sequence in a way that was so comical you can't even plan things like that. We laughed so hard that we sat there and cried, but you'll see it when we get to Scorch Trials 004.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8BTPnE5pKcs/V1Ln0Cwu7yI/AAAAAAAAHeE/ME5n9LAzYnYMcICJZn4HqL_ek0Rkm3IIwCLcB/s1600/20160602_184410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8BTPnE5pKcs/V1Ln0Cwu7yI/AAAAAAAAHeE/ME5n9LAzYnYMcICJZn4HqL_ek0Rkm3IIwCLcB/s400/20160602_184410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Flagship</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think it pretty much goes without saying that the 60" Extra is my flagship. When it's a special occasion or I really want to look good in front of a crowd, this and the&nbsp;Extra SHP are the two planes I take. </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">This particular Extra has not gotten much use for the last year because of other projects, but with the lull in things to write about or projects to build, I really wanted to get back to flying it.&nbsp; I was only able to put two or three flights at a time on it before I would put it away for a couple of months, so I never got into the confidence building groove you have when you are very familiar with a plane.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;I am very familiar with the 60" Extra in general, but each individual example has a little bit of it's own character, and that's where you find the extra performance.&nbsp; Some of them require a little more or less rudder in a particular move, or a different throttle setting, or ...... you get the idea. Even when you have two identical airframes you will almost always get the&nbsp;most out of the one you fly more often, simply because you know it's character better. I have not flown this plane particular plane enough to learn that character.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I always loved flying this plane, but&nbsp; I was not willing to push it 100% and on the deck. Essentially, I didn't trust myself with it, mostly because I was still angry with myself over the last one I crashed. While I usually laugh off a bad crash, my last 60" Extra crash really rattled me. I was such a stupid and unnecessary&nbsp;crash that I am too embarrassed to even tell you what happened, and the worst part was that I was not even screwing around or pushing the plane hard. Essentially I was just&nbsp;not in the game that day, and when I flew the newest Extra I had a hard time getting that out of my head. I simply love the 60" Extra so much that tearing one up and having to wait to get another one messed&nbsp;with me pretty badly. Essentially, it destroyed my confidence.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, this is just silly. You can never allow yourself to fall in love with anything that flies, but with the Extra it is simply too late. The only way around it was to get another Extra kit and set it up as a back up. Now that I have that done, I am not nearly so worried about the one I am flying now.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, now, I am actually back to being able to get a little bit crazy with the plane, which is what I enjoy most.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231801" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Extra EXP__Scorch Trials 002 from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">We have run so many articles on this plane that there isn't much left to say other than it just gets better and better and better every time I build a new one. I didn't built my first one, and it&nbsp;was hinged too tightly. Still, it flew spectacularly, though it did not have the pitch authority (because of the reduced throw) I need for my signature high rotation maneuvers. I did build my second 60" Extra EXP, and it flew perfectly in every single way, which is part of why it was so upsetting to lose it, especially to a stupid mistake.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U8Od7S3p2Y/Vz8z45OGxxI/AAAAAAAAHcc/_071lTDPACMiELu-q_yjEmGDrXsi7h8kwCKgB/s1600/20160509_145300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U8Od7S3p2Y/Vz8z45OGxxI/AAAAAAAAHcc/_071lTDPACMiELu-q_yjEmGDrXsi7h8kwCKgB/s400/20160509_145300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ3XtKeQbVs/Vz85uQAcSOI/AAAAAAAAHcs/DrC1ZjnFjlMKsOTtiT5Ibo_yj2CwLwxqgCLcB/s1600/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ3XtKeQbVs/Vz85uQAcSOI/AAAAAAAAHcs/DrC1ZjnFjlMKsOTtiT5Ibo_yj2CwLwxqgCLcB/s200/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0061.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oXqN2vLZeE/Vz85uYuiF5I/AAAAAAAAHcw/sB3S8uzZVvcGb3n9Gdwg75az2PjHCwKYACLcB/s1600/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oXqN2vLZeE/Vz85uYuiF5I/AAAAAAAAHcw/sB3S8uzZVvcGb3n9Gdwg75az2PjHCwKYACLcB/s200/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0062.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5GvoBwVco6k/Vz85vYBz4hI/AAAAAAAAHc0/HKgRmYhD0WIhDBOtznTLGHkHDa-UWG8ZACLcB/s1600/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5GvoBwVco6k/Vz85vYBz4hI/AAAAAAAAHc0/HKgRmYhD0WIhDBOtznTLGHkHDa-UWG8ZACLcB/s200/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0063.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PoCgRlwWFQ/Vz8511hHnpI/AAAAAAAAHc4/lZAYMF3-dd8H0M0CQPg3DihgAb61Eg9-wCLcB/s1600/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PoCgRlwWFQ/Vz8511hHnpI/AAAAAAAAHc4/lZAYMF3-dd8H0M0CQPg3DihgAb61Eg9-wCLcB/s200/60_EXTRA_300_EXP__Glamor%2B0064.JPG" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3dNX66_LqU/Vz8z85x8GeI/AAAAAAAAHcY/HX_YlhO9cp8L79MWmhRpkEcwZe9hmkhWwCKgB/s1600/20160518_182551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3dNX66_LqU/Vz8z85x8GeI/AAAAAAAAHcY/HX_YlhO9cp8L79MWmhRpkEcwZe9hmkhWwCKgB/s400/20160518_182551.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">After breaking through with the newest Extra, I have to say it is perfect too. For some odd reason it likes to be a little more nose heavy than my other ones,&nbsp;thus illustrating how identical airframes can be different in the air. Once I got that figured out, the Extra sort of came to me and my confidence with the plane swelled in a single day. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231857" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Extra EXP__Scorch Trials 003 from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Again, after so many flights and videos and articles, there isn't much more to say other than how much I love the plane. I am learning to fly all of my planes harder and harder, and get more and more out of them. I hope these videos illustrate that.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/167231883" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Extra EXP__Scorch Trials 004 from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U8Od7S3p2Y/Vz8z45OGxxI/AAAAAAAAHcc/_071lTDPACMiELu-q_yjEmGDrXsi7h8kwCKgB/s1600/20160509_145300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U8Od7S3p2Y/Vz8z45OGxxI/AAAAAAAAHcc/_071lTDPACMiELu-q_yjEmGDrXsi7h8kwCKgB/s400/20160509_145300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzlWaYBcz0k/V2DjNwCVvGI/AAAAAAAAHeU/i2QgbbdVE3w2kEBnYkUDmC4CXqD4he5gACLcB/s1600/20160614_163317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzlWaYBcz0k/V2DjNwCVvGI/AAAAAAAAHeU/i2QgbbdVE3w2kEBnYkUDmC4CXqD4he5gACLcB/s400/20160614_163317.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Extra SHP</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moved to: <strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2016/05/extra-shpless-power-better-for-learning.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Extra SHP__Less Power Better For Learning 3D</span></a></strong> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-78089349805660479252016-03-04T23:04:00.002-05:002017-05-20T20:47:26.924-04:00Miscellaneous Build And Set Up Tricks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGFAORpMGbE/VLFNcqG9sOI/AAAAAAAAF4U/cum61qusScE/s1600/Yellow%2BTP%2BLaser%2BEXP%2B___019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGFAORpMGbE/VLFNcqG9sOI/AAAAAAAAF4U/cum61qusScE/s1600/Yellow%2BTP%2BLaser%2BEXP%2B___019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Today's ARFs are better than they have ever been. In fact, they are really even better than what we used to build from wood kits by hand. They are easier than ever to assemble, but there are plenty of things you still&nbsp;absolutely have to get right.</div><br />Over the years I have written about all of these things, but now I want to compile all of them so they are easy to find, and that's what this article is all about. <br /><br />One of the things I can't teach you is patience. I am probably the least patient person on the planet, but over the years I have learned to slow down and get things right the first time. Some people brag they can build a plane in an hour or two, but then again, some of those planes constantly have things falling off of them, or they generally don't fly very well. To build the best plane you possibly can, you have to take the time to get it right. Otherwise, that is wasted time because you just have to do it over. On things like getting the tail on straight or the hinges in properly, you only get one shot at it, so you have to be especially careful here. If you get the spinner gap wrong that won't hurt anything but the appearance, but if the tail is on cooked the plane won't fly straight.<br /><br />So in short, take your time and simply enjoy the process. Get everything as right as you know how to do it and you will be rewarded with a good flying plane. <br /><br />Also, details count. Small things like making the pushrods operate smoothly with no play or slop is more important than you can imagine, as well as sealing your hinge gap. There are a lot of little things to look out for, but I will try to cover them all, so this article will probably never be finished. I will just keep adding to it as we go, so save this link and check it often. It would probably also be helpful to subscribe to my blog.<br /><br /><strong>Before we get started</strong>, a big thanks to Thunder Power,&nbsp;3D Hobby Shop,&nbsp;and Extreme Flight for their undying friendship and support. Everything I do, including these articles would otherwise be impossible. These companies have been with us literally from the beginning and it's all sort of one big family for me.<br /><br />Also thanks to my friends at Hitec who help out with excellent service, plus servos when I can't afford them. I will probably try an excellent Hitec radio in the near future when I get all my projects caught up and can do the radio the justice it deserves. <br /><br />Also&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: red;"><strong>Click To Enlarge On All Pictures In This Article.</strong></span><br /><br />Take a deep breath............ and here we go.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>INSTALLING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER</strong></span></div><br />I always <em>plan</em> to take lots of pictures and do a bit of a build thread, but then I always get engrossed in the process and forget. This time I am going to show you how I install the horizontal stabilizer (if I remember to take the pictures, that is). I have to explain this on RCG every so often and it's not easy to do without photos.<br /><br />The first thing I do is glue the hinges into the control surfaces (We will cover that in a later update) and after those are dry I trial fit the elevator to the stab.&nbsp; I make sure the hinges line up and slide all the way in, and this is much easier to do before the stab is in the plane. I set the elevator aside for now and final hinge them after the stab is glued into the fuse.<br /><br />Then it's time to put the stab in. I put the wings on the plane and slide the stab in, then measure it side to side to make sure it is reasonably close to centered. I'll come back and get it dead on after I check to make sure the wing and stab are parallel to each other. I hold the plane up with a solid color wall behind it because with a solid color there are no distractions in your vision that can cause an optical illusion. With nothing else in the field of view it's much easier to see if the alignment is correct or not.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VpISCBZuSU/VLGRagpnABI/AAAAAAAAF4o/TRSdy1Dj3PE/s1600/Sight%2BAlignment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VpISCBZuSU/VLGRagpnABI/AAAAAAAAF4o/TRSdy1Dj3PE/s1600/Sight%2BAlignment.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here I sight down the top of the wing (one eye closed helps)&nbsp;to make sure the stab sits parallel to the wing. I have only had one or two EXPs be off here, and most times it is just a matter of lightly sanding the bottom of the high side of the saddle a little until the stab sits level. If it takes more than one or two passes with an Emory board then I will cut a piece of business card about 1/8 wide and slide it under the low stab. I have never had one any further out that that, and even that much is extremely rare.<br /><br />Now I measure the stab side to side again, only this time I get it dead on. I also eyeball it to get it as square with the wing as I can, but I will measure it later.&nbsp; From here I jam a long hat pin all the way through the rudder post (see photo) and into the back of the stab. This locks the stab in so it cannot move side to side when I square the stab to the wing. Once the pin is in, I measure again to be sure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0m3pEc4Ax8/VLDDPL3NToI/AAAAAAAAF3I/iygDK6KPSQs/s1600/Side%2BTo%2BSide_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0m3pEc4Ax8/VLDDPL3NToI/AAAAAAAAF3I/iygDK6KPSQs/s1600/Side%2BTo%2BSide_2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdWE3KIqjSs/VLDDPbmo5ZI/AAAAAAAAF3M/bh2hEqKjIdw/s1600/Tail%2BPinned_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdWE3KIqjSs/VLDDPbmo5ZI/AAAAAAAAF3M/bh2hEqKjIdw/s1600/Tail%2BPinned_2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />From here I measure from the wingtip to the stab tip, and adjust the stab as necessary to get the measurement the same on both sides. I check my side to side measurement one final time and then check the wing tip to stab tip over and over until I am satisfied it is dead on. Once that is done I hold the plane up to the wall again and make sure the stab is still parallel to the wing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QiD-zpoU5E/VLDDPvlAbOI/AAAAAAAAF3U/P7GVRkoCWhE/s1600/Tip%5B%2Bto%2Btip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QiD-zpoU5E/VLDDPvlAbOI/AAAAAAAAF3U/P7GVRkoCWhE/s1600/Tip%5B%2Bto%2Btip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely torment myself getting this as perfect as I can possibly get it. This part and getting the hinges right are the most crucial part of the build.&nbsp; If you screw it up the plane is not&nbsp;going to fly right. Certainly you can get away with it being off a little, but nothing flies as good as&nbsp;a&nbsp;dead straight airframe.&nbsp;Everything else is either easy to redo or live with. If you mess up the cowl spacing it's not going to make the plane fly badly, but getting the tail crooked will.</div><br />Once I am absolutely dead solid sure the wing and stab are parallel, the stab is centered in the fuse, and also square with the wing, Check this as many times s you have to in order to be absolutely dead solid sure you have it as perfect as you can get it. The more perfect you get this part, the better the plane is going to fly.<br /><br />Remember, you get as many chances as you need&nbsp;to get it measured perfectly, but you only get one chance to glue it in. If you get it really of, you may have to use debond and pull the whole thing out, but that's a nasty messy job and it's much easier to take your time and get it right before you glue it.<br /><br />I like to put the fuselage in my handy Ernst plane stand and tilt the plane so gravity will help the CA run into the joint. You don't want so much tilt that the CA runs out the other side (and all over the plane), so only a few degrees of tilt it necessary.<br /><br />I run a bead of thin CA into the top of one side where the fuselage and stab meet. I let that set up for about a minute and then pull the wings, set the fuse aside and find something else to work on for about 10 minutes. Then I do the other side, wait 10 minutes and wait for it to set up. Then,&nbsp;I flip it over and repeat the process on the bottom of the stab.<br /><br />After about an hour all the CA has set up and it's safe to handle the plane. I pull the pin out cut out the rudder post behind the elevator. I forgot to take a picture of that, so here's one of my Yak. I cut the post out with a hobby razor saw&nbsp;that makes nice clean cuts, and all I do from there is seal the edges back down with a trim iron. If you are really picky you can cover the expose wood behind the stab, or even brush on some hobby paint or dope.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kL0QR_DsTU/VLDK0lUHqTI/AAAAAAAAF3o/pcJzB-texm0/s1600/Yak%2BKit__9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kL0QR_DsTU/VLDK0lUHqTI/AAAAAAAAF3o/pcJzB-texm0/s1600/Yak%2BKit__9.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">HINGING</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been using cyanoacrylate hinges since the late 70s, so I have developed a pretty good technique. I also have had a lot of great builders show me their method, though technique is hard to teach and you will develop your own anyway. </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The first thing I do is use a trim iron to tighten any loose covering and eliminate any bubbles on the trailing edge of the flying surface and the leading edges of the control surfaces. Loose covering and bubbles can interfere with smooth operation, so they have to go. You can use a covering iron, but a trim iron is so much easier to work with.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before you start gluing, you need good glue and good tools. I like Zap brand CA for a lot of reasons but especially because of their slip on applicator tips. You&nbsp; can control the flow and put it exactly where you want it. Also, have some Golden West Super Solvent handy to clean up any spills.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Click To Enlarge On All Pictures</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phqYbLiut7Y/WAwUDjaNNdI/AAAAAAAAH1o/8E5NnV5Vaw8Ni3V8M0cO4iUg9rgGr1YUwCLcB/s1600/20161022_174028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phqYbLiut7Y/WAwUDjaNNdI/AAAAAAAAH1o/8E5NnV5Vaw8Ni3V8M0cO4iUg9rgGr1YUwCLcB/s400/20161022_174028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then I fit the hinges to the control control surface. On most 3DHS planes the hinges are already glued into the control surfaces, so if you are building one of those, skip this part.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On EXPs, the slots are already cut, so I slide the hinge into the slot and get it centered and straight. To make sure you have the hinge the right depth, it's helpful to hold another hinge up to it and that makes it easier to set by eyeball.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLqq9v2ktP0/WAwS4RTfkMI/AAAAAAAAH1c/I7Nw0VaQEjIkswaKj0MJQmUc4mp6JKj2wCLcB/s1600/20161022_174519.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLqq9v2ktP0/WAwS4RTfkMI/AAAAAAAAH1c/I7Nw0VaQEjIkswaKj0MJQmUc4mp6JKj2wCLcB/s640/20161022_174519.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then, I then run a bead of CA along the hinge where it meets the control surface and <i>watch</i> it wick in. It helps to use a tip on your CA bottle so you can control the flow, and for that I like Zap CA and their glue tips. On the left you can see how the applicator allows pinpoint accuracyy, and on the right you can see the bead of CA laid down.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFCfGKpkoxE/WAwU4-nF3qI/AAAAAAAAH10/_x-3JT1snjktzQ62q1c3gBwExZrxMc5-ACLcB/s1600/20161022_174846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFCfGKpkoxE/WAwU4-nF3qI/AAAAAAAAH10/_x-3JT1snjktzQ62q1c3gBwExZrxMc5-ACLcB/s200/20161022_174846.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RwLIEZciM8Q/WAwU2XaRjjI/AAAAAAAAH1w/j-qr7E15ZL4A5DjtPcnspraWsxY_CP7igCLcB/s1600/20161022_174820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RwLIEZciM8Q/WAwU2XaRjjI/AAAAAAAAH1w/j-qr7E15ZL4A5DjtPcnspraWsxY_CP7igCLcB/s200/20161022_174820.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I glue the hinge, I hold the control surface so that gravity helps the CA run into the slot. The important part is to run the bead and make sure all of the CA wicks in. You can run a bead on both sides of the hinge and it will be locked in forever. Again, the important part is to <i>see</i> the CA run in so you know you have enough glue in the slot. Let the control surfaces set up and dry for a few minutes and take a break, or tinker with another small job like setting up the tail wheel assembly.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once that's cured, trial fit all the control surfaces on to their appropriate flying surface. Sometimes the slots don't line up perfectly so you will have to run a #11 Xacto knife into the slot to open it so the hinge slides in.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For good 3D you want the surface to have as much movement as you can get, but that usually also gives you a large gap between the flying and control surfaces. This gap can really denigrate your planes responsiveness and even potentially set up deadly high speed flutter. To avoid this we try to keep a good, tight gap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The technique is the same for all surfaces, so I will describe how I hinge the ailerons. First I slide the aileron onto the wing and the hinges into the slots. Then I check to make sure the aileron doesn't rub on the SFG or the inner part of the wing. I make sure I get full movement in both directions. </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Since I want full throws and a tight gap, I deflect the aileron until it's leading edge (LE) bevel is touching the bevel on the trailing edge (TE) of the wing. Basically, that's all it's got. The important part now is to make sure you have the hinge pushed as deeply into the back of the wing as you can get it, and that's to assure a small gap.</div><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7tnmVWQhv8/WAwVv3dmj2I/AAAAAAAAH2A/zyg7T7-Za7ERXrtLjos0lTUHJqN1WUtTACLcB/s1600/20161022_175047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7tnmVWQhv8/WAwVv3dmj2I/AAAAAAAAH2A/zyg7T7-Za7ERXrtLjos0lTUHJqN1WUtTACLcB/s640/20161022_175047.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, you fully deflect and push the two surfaces together at the same time. It is tricky to get both a tight gap and full deflection, and then glue it on top of that. Remember that you want to stand the wing up on it's LE edge so that gravity will help the glue run into the slot, and all of this is tricky when you are trying to deflect the surface, push them together, and glue them all at the same time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You almost need three hands, so if you can have the wife or friend hold the wing that's very helpful. For hinging the tail I hold the fuselage between my knees.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkdv-4h1ko0/WAwWXpN68JI/AAAAAAAAH2I/Rowxj4PwYyEdnuaSOO22OoeUl-zJVp6JACLcB/s1600/20161022_175139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkdv-4h1ko0/WAwWXpN68JI/AAAAAAAAH2I/Rowxj4PwYyEdnuaSOO22OoeUl-zJVp6JACLcB/s640/20161022_175139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I start with the outer hinge and use a solitary drop, all while deflecting and pushing the two surfaces together. Then I do the innermost hinge. If I am happy with the movement and the gap, I repeat on the other two hinges. I only use one drop so I can get it apart with debond if I screw it up. Once I am happy the gap and movement are good, I go back, deflect the surface and run a bead of CA along the hinge. Again, it is important to watch it wick in. If you want to be especially careful, you can glue both sides.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That is pretty much all there is to it. Worth noting is that the standard hinges work fine, but I was a fan of Radio South <a href="http://www.radiosouthrc.com/pro-hinge.htm"><b><u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;">Pro-Hinges, standard</span></span></u></b></a><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span></b>hinges from the beginning. Even the Boss will tell you they are the best. Since I learned how to hinge with Radio South hinges, I continue to use them 35 years later and will probably never change.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">BALL LINK SET UP</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have done so many of these that I know in advance exactly what I have to do. I have also acquired&nbsp; a nice spare parts inventory and have the luxury to set up the servo arms and pushrods ahead of time. This saves me a lot of work because it takes time to get the ball links operating smoothly with no drag.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ball links are usually a little tight, which you don't want. You don't want sloppy either, but that is almost never a problem. You don't want any drag in the ball link because that can give you poor centering, so I like to loosen them up a little.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first thing I do is thread the ball link on to a pushrod. This makes it easier to hold on to, especially if you have arthritis. I use a small electric drill to spin the pushrod into the ball link, but you have to be careful you don't thread it in so deep that you damage the link. I use the clutch on the drill to keep this from happening. On these EXPs the threads usually go almost all the way in, and that way there is no chance they will ever pull out. I try to get it as close to bottomed out as I can. Once you get it in that deep, it is loathe to turn back&nbsp;out, so I use that end to bolt to the control horn, and make my trim adjustments by spinning the servo arm at the other end of the pushrod.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXcx0WWUCRc/Vlo2kPDe8DI/AAAAAAAAHQc/g4bAxVhcZzM/s1600/20151128_145531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXcx0WWUCRc/Vlo2kPDe8DI/AAAAAAAAHQc/g4bAxVhcZzM/s320/20151128_145531.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, I use an allen driver to pry the brass ball out of the plastic link itself.&nbsp;I pop the ball in and out a few times until it is nice and smooth, and can move around with no drag. <br /><br />Pop the ball out as such....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diAtzXaqvrs/Vlo2RjD7w2I/AAAAAAAAHQQ/ZISjVAaVpIw/s1600/20151128_145623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diAtzXaqvrs/Vlo2RjD7w2I/AAAAAAAAHQQ/ZISjVAaVpIw/s320/20151128_145623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And pop it back in thusly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRJ28dAc7og/Vlo2a1AUdbI/AAAAAAAAHQY/SL3O-ZL6k-0/s1600/20151128_145640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRJ28dAc7og/Vlo2a1AUdbI/AAAAAAAAHQY/SL3O-ZL6k-0/s320/20151128_145640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes after you bolt it on to the servo arm or control horn the ball link will tighten back up, so you have to pull it apart and start over.&nbsp; Generally you want the bolt securing the ball link as tight as you can get it, but that can introduce drag into the ball link. This is why you have to tinker with it a bit. That's when you have to take it apart and start over.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For securing the ball links I depart from the hardware pack a little bit. I like to use Dubro 2mm X 12mm case hardened allen bolts. It is always easier to work with an allen driver than a screwdriver, and I've got a really nice set of Losi tools for this. I also like to use an aircraft locking nut, and then a regular hex nut on top of that and <a href="http://www.boltscience.com/pages/twonuts.htm" target="_blank">jam nut</a> the two together. Once that is done, I apply the <span data-dobid="hdw"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_de_gr%C3%A2ce" target="_blank">coup de grâce</a>&nbsp;in the form of a drop of medium CA to the exposed threads. Like this, the assembly can never come apart on it's own, but by spinning the nut off it will shatter the CA and you can take the assembly apart from there.</span><br /><br />This is the control horn on my&nbsp;Laser, but the double nutting technique is the same.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDlaML15g9o/Vlo6wfCxFII/AAAAAAAAHRA/hqwX48dTpoc/s1600/Ball%2BLink%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDlaML15g9o/Vlo6wfCxFII/AAAAAAAAHRA/hqwX48dTpoc/s400/Ball%2BLink%2Bset%2BUp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All of this requires a lot of tinkering, but it pays big dividends to have smoothly operating, drag free pushrod systems. The servos work better and center better, and the aircraft flies more smoothly and precisely. Little details like this make a big difference in flight performance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Tailwheel Assembly</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really like the EXP tailwheel assemblies. They also require a little bit of tinkering, but if you set one up properly they work brilliantly. No tailwheel assembly is going to stand up to repeated harrier landings, especially since a lot of times the plane simply stalls and drops the entire weight of the airplane onto the tailwheel. Still, I get away with it all the time because I took the time to set it up right the first time. I will bend the wire every so often, but we have a vise at the field, so it's no problem to chuck it up and bend it back. <br /><br />Also remember that I do things like snap roll into a landing, do donuts and other such silliness, so I might be harder on the unit than a lot of people. <br /><br />I also like that you can change the entire unit out in about 30 seconds by removing three screws. If you have a problem it's easy enough to fix right there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most important part of the process is grinding flat sports on the tailwheel wire where the steering arm and wheel collar&nbsp;grub nuts will sit. A flat spot gives those a larger surface to sit on, and less chance the arm can turn on the wire. You can either file it flat or hit it with a big Dremel grinding disc (my preferred method)..<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCIXqTRSpUk/VlkRXIkuuFI/AAAAAAAAHOg/9Wspe-RfHV4/s1600/20151127_134026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCIXqTRSpUk/VlkRXIkuuFI/AAAAAAAAHOg/9Wspe-RfHV4/s640/20151127_134026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Earlier steering arms were two pieces press fit together, and later they were threaded. However,&nbsp;the newest arms are now one piece machined aluminum. If you have one of those, disregard this paragraph.&nbsp;&nbsp;I make sure the arm is threaded tightly onto the round center piece, then use a T pin to apply a drop of thin CA as shown in the photo below. It helps to tilt the arm up a little so the CA can wick into the joint. Also, remove the grub screw so in the case you get too much CA in there&nbsp;none of it glues that in! You only need a drop.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldq8QCq6EUA/VlsiYbU7HRI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/tWJassouOGc/s1600/20151129_110139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldq8QCq6EUA/VlsiYbU7HRI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/tWJassouOGc/s400/20151129_110139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Finally, you have to get the center of the wire directly over the hinge line. If the wire and hinge line are not on the same axis, you can get binding, so it pays big dividends to take your time here.&nbsp;If you get it right you can tighten the screw that holds the arm to the rudder down tightly. Check rudder movement with the tailwheel assembly installed and hooked up to the rudder. If movement is good with no binding, you got it right. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OV7QyRgchII/VlkSdSWOujI/AAAAAAAAHOo/csOlXuygpPI/s1600/Center%2BThe%2BWire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OV7QyRgchII/VlkSdSWOujI/AAAAAAAAHOo/csOlXuygpPI/s400/Center%2BThe%2BWire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />It's hard to get it absolutely dead on, but if you are only off a little you can leave the screw that mounts the arm to the rudder a little loose.&nbsp; It also helps a little to open the slot in the arm a little&nbsp;so the screw can slide a little easier.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3mzzZG1xXE/VlkSuVy2qJI/AAAAAAAAHOw/wYst7xGdP3Y/s1600/20151127_153251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3mzzZG1xXE/VlkSuVy2qJI/AAAAAAAAHOw/wYst7xGdP3Y/s400/20151127_153251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Here you can see I have the tailwheel wire centered over the rudder hinge line, and that makes it operate with no binding.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq9rz71ZiA0/Vlo4ldDatiI/AAAAAAAAHQ0/CUklHciva0k/s1600/20151128_151409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq9rz71ZiA0/Vlo4ldDatiI/AAAAAAAAHQ0/CUklHciva0k/s320/20151128_151409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The EXP tailwheel assembly works beautifully, but you do need to take a little extra time to get it working smoothly. I can set one up from package to finished in about five to ten minutes, and that's just puttering around with it and not trying to rush. If anything, it pays off if you <em>don't</em> rush and take the time to set it up right in one try. It is hard not to want to blast the project out and go fly it, so it takes patience to slow down and get all the details right. If you do, though, you get a plane that operates properly and smoothly. It's better to take the time in the shop and do it right&nbsp;than to have to fix something at the field.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Installing The HS85MG Servo On the Elevator</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>The EXP series was designed to operate on the Hitec HS65MG servos, but we soon found out with the quantum leap in airframe performance that we were asking too much for that servo on the elevator.&nbsp; The MXS has always been set up to run the larger and more powerful HS85MG servo, though the Exta and Edge will benefit from that too.<br /><br />The first step is to make sure that you do not move the servo output shaft forward or backwards. The push rods have a finite amount of threads, so if you get the servo in the wrong fore/aft location, you might end up with a push rod that is too long (fixable by snipping off a few threads) or too short (not fixable without a longer push rod).<br /><br />Drop an HS65MG into the elevator servo hole, and mark the location of the servo output shaft on the fuselage with a magic market or felt pen. When you install the 85MG, you want the servo output shaft to line up with the mark you just make.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJxAFUrZkhg/TyhR71PBgNI/AAAAAAAABxw/yxjOB-dxXcg/s1600/Marking+Shaft+Location.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJxAFUrZkhg/TyhR71PBgNI/AAAAAAAABxw/yxjOB-dxXcg/s400/Marking+Shaft+Location.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Next, line the 85MG up over the hole and guesstimate how much you will have to cut the opening to make the servo fit in the proper fore/aft location. As you can see, I simply laid the servo over the hole and then cut away the covering. From here we got lucky because to keep the output shaft in the same place, we just need to open the servo hole rearwards.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEywxenF4PY/TyhSwOBh-yI/AAAAAAAABx4/_PLu4BraUqM/s1600/Setting+Fore-Aft+Location.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEywxenF4PY/TyhSwOBh-yI/AAAAAAAABx4/_PLu4BraUqM/s400/Setting+Fore-Aft+Location.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Now that the fore/aft location is locked in, let's drop the servo down. We do this for two reasons: first is that the servo is too wide to fit, and second, we need more space away from the stabilizer so the large Dubro servo arm we are going to use has clearance and doesn't rub on the bottom of the stab. <br /><br />Here I use a straight edge to cut a straight line, and then I go back and drive the blade in deep. You can see there is a balsa block on the fuselage bottom and that needs to be relieved so the servo will sit down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOR_pH4xpvU/TyhTjthwqwI/AAAAAAAAByA/DbyPaLbBKIE/s1600/Dropping+servo+down.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOR_pH4xpvU/TyhTjthwqwI/AAAAAAAAByA/DbyPaLbBKIE/s400/Dropping+servo+down.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I tried really hard to get a good picture but this was the best I could do. You can see how I notched out the balsa block fuselage bottom and now the servo sits low enough. Seal all the covering&nbsp;edges&nbsp;down with a trim iron, and on mine I ran some CA in to seal the wood and lock the edges of the covering down.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDevqPYjHMI/TyhUAuchC7I/AAAAAAAAByI/IUfNr1CF5dc/s1600/Finished+cutout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDevqPYjHMI/TyhUAuchC7I/AAAAAAAAByI/IUfNr1CF5dc/s400/Finished+cutout.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Lastly, here is the finished servo installation. You will have to dry fit the stab and servo with Dubro arm installed to make sure you have enough clearance, but I've done these before and I am confident opening the hole downward enough to get the servo in also drops it down enough.<br /><br />One final trick is to push the servo as rearward as it will go in the servo hole. You probably won't get it absolutely perfect and will have a little slop, so move that servo backwards and that means you will have to turn the ball link further onto the push rod to get the elevator centered. One or two or three more threads going into the ball link is more margin against the push rod pulling out. You might even need to snip a thread of two off, but that's a lot better than not having enough threads on something like the elevator.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zX_CAjt_v-s/TyhVlWo_G6I/AAAAAAAAByQ/fb7_HDTJ9oY/s1600/HS85MG+installed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zX_CAjt_v-s/TyhVlWo_G6I/AAAAAAAAByQ/fb7_HDTJ9oY/s400/HS85MG+installed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />As of this writing I don't have the stabilizer in yet, so I am going to cheat a bit and post a picture from my beloved and late, original blue extra EXP. You can see how important it is to have dropped the servo down because of the tight clearance the servo arm has to the bottom of the stabilizer. <br /><br />I am using the longest arm in the Dubro pack, and the ball link is bolted to the second from the outside hole on that arm. I cut off the overhang of that last hole to get a little more clearance, but you can see it is still pretty tight. All my extra EXPs have been set up exactly this way and they have all flown beautifully.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyzYfdMAdxU/TyhWdtN4RZI/AAAAAAAAByY/RQPUQGuLPLg/s1600/Elevator+set+Up+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyzYfdMAdxU/TyhWdtN4RZI/AAAAAAAAByY/RQPUQGuLPLg/s400/Elevator+set+Up+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNMB8DvCyPg/TyhYM8csGBI/AAAAAAAAByo/WV8vwqDsXlw/s1600/Extreme+Flight+Extra+300+EXP+Artwork+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Throttle Mix For Better Performance</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><br />Awhile back, Andrew Jesky told me his trick for getting better throttle response out of an electric motor is to bump up the throttle trim until the motor starts idling. I tried this and it works great, but messing around with the trim was too much trouble considering that you can mix in just about anything with the fabulous new computer radios.<br /><br />So, I tried a mix and put it on a switch. That way the idle is on/off. This is much quicker in the event of a crash or nose over than working the trim until you hit center. Just turn it off.<br /><br />Some people have been having trouble with the latest ESCs shuddering on start up. The newest versions can sometimes be a little fussy to get going from a complete stop, but again, run an idle and it all goes away. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/34434034" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/34434034">Idle Mix for Better Performance</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><br />While this is not all that uncommon, running an idle stops this problem cold. Where some guys are having a bit of trouble is from absolute dead stopped. The motors kick back and forth and don't really want to get going, but if you run an idle, they will start up as soon as you flip the switch.<br /><br />Now, this shuddering on start up is completely different from out of sync timing, which causes the motor to squeal and stop completely. Start up shuddering is only from dead stop and I've never seen it cause a problem in the air, because the motor never completely stops in the air unless you has the ESC set with the brake on.<br /><br />I fly Futaba, so I run a channel three to channel three (throttle to throttle) mix. I flip it on, and then dial in the amount of idle I want and put it on my timer switch. The only thing you have to be careful of is to make sure your idle switch is set to off when you plug the battery in. Otherwise, it won't work. I put the idle on my timer switch because that makes one less thing to remember. I was always forgetting my timer before, but I never forget the idle.<br /><br /><strong>For Futaba Users Only</strong><br />I go to PMX (pre-mix) and set throttle as master, and throttle as slave. Put the mix on a switch, and I like my "A" switch for that simply because that's where my timer has always been. Turn the TX on with the "A" switch in the off position, plug the battery in, turn the Airboss switch on. Let the ESC play the tune, then flip on the "A" switch and dial in the mix until the motor idles. I usually end up with around a minus 27 to minus 30 mix.<br /><br />After that, be careful that the "A" switch is off before you do anything. When the ESC is turned on, it will look for the endpoints of the throttle range, and if the switch is in the on position, it will ignore the mix and it won't work.<br /><br />The procedure is: "idle" switch off, radio on, airplane on, flip "A" switch to start idle. If you screw it up and the idle doesn't work, flip the "A" switch off, unplug the battery and start over.<br /><br />I know it sounds very complicated, but that's just how it plays out in writing. If you could see me do it, you'de agree that it's really pretty simple. It just translates into 1000 words.<br /><br /><strong>Spektrum Users</strong><br />This will also work witrh Spektrum radios and I have set a few up. Sadly, I am not that well versed in Spektrum programming and don't remember exacly how I did it. It's not that hard and if I can figure it ot you can. I just don't have one in front of I can use to help me explain it.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Finally, </strong>always take the propeller off when you are setting up this kind of programming. If you make a wrong move and get the motor running by accident a spinning propeller is especially dangerous when it surprises you.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Smoothing Out The 3D Landing</strong> </span></div><br />Sometimes these 48" 3D planes can be a little difficult to land. This seems odd because they otherwise fly so well, especially at low speeds. After a lot of research, flying, and tinkering, I think I have gotten to the bottom of it, and how to fix it.<br /><br />First we fly these planes pretty tail heavy. We can get away with it because the planes have such light wing loadings but it does make the planes difficult to land. You can take any of the EXPs, move the battery forward, and they land like a baby. It's only when you get that CG near neutral that the plane gets a little weird at the stall. The critical moment is right as you are ready to flare the airplane out to land. That's when most guys get into trouble.<br /><br />The pilot will fly the plane in, and the nose will rise a little. The pilot lets off the elevator but nothing happens. The nose won't come down on it's own, and the plane stalls and bounces. Typical 3D landing at most clubs.<br /><br />This is why a lot of guys simply harrier land their 3D planes. With the wing already mostly stalled, it won't balloon up on you. The only problem is that when the tail wheel touches first the mains usually plop in harder than you want. A really smooth harrier landing is hard to hit perfect, but at least it doesn't balloon up on you.<br /><br />In a bad balloon-type of landing, what happens is that since the rear stabilizer is so much smaller than the wing, it stalls first, and being tail heavy, the tail will drop. Since the wing is still flying, and now at a positive angle of attack, the plane will balloon up just enough to completely stall that wing. This would not be so bad if you were ready for it, but.....<br /><br />You see it all the time with the newer 3D pilots who have not figured it out yet. They will go to flare out and the plane will start climbing on it's own, even after the pilot has let off the elevator. At that point, it is a little late to push in down elevator, and that low to the ground it's such a foreign thing that your instincts will fight you. These newer 3D pilots are used to a sport plane that you have to hold the nose up the whole way in. <br /><br />So, the best answer would seem to be to make the plane behave more like a sport plane. You can do this by putting in some down trim when you are ready to land. You have to hold the nose up, and if it does balloon, all you do is ease off the elevator and the nose comes right back down. While this works beautifully when you can remember to do it, what a pain that is, and then you'de better remember to put your trim back before you fly again. Too much remembering required, but it would be a great solution if it was automatic.<br /><br /><strong><em>Oh, wait</em></strong>....... with today's awesome computer radios, we can make it automatic! I use a 1% down elevator to low throttle mix. When you cut the throttle, the elevator goes down a little, about once click of trim worth. I have done this with both Futaba and Spektrum radios. It cures the ballooning problem, but outside of that it does not change the way the plane flies at all except it will give you a perfectly straight power-off down line.<br /><br />With this mix you pretty much land like you would land a sport plane. Just drive it on in, and if the nose gets too high, just ease off the elevator a little, it will come right back down.<br />Like with any new mix, I suggest that you put it on a switch. That way if you don't like it, you can flip it off, land like always, and clear it out of your programming. Try it and I&nbsp;think you will like it. I run this mix on all my 48" planes with no switch. I even dial it in on brand new planes because I know I am going to need it.<br /><br />It just wouldn't be an Extreme Aviation report without a video, would it? This is a compilation of three flights that were not especially noteworthy, but once I edited out the lame stuff it was actually pretty decent. Add a spacey soundtrack and you've got a great video................<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/39769603" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/39769603">Extreme Flight Extra EXP__Spaced Out Huckola</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Notice on the very last landing, after the closing credits, that the plane comes in low and starts to rise back up again. It's trying to balloon up on me, but I instinctually ease off the elevator a bit, the mix does it's job and it's a perfect landing. I am doing my landings more and more like this because it is so much easier on the equipment than a harrier landing. Half my harrier landings are more like downward plops, but you can't beat a mains only roll out for soft and pretty.<br /><br />Thanks to my friend Kevin for the superb camera work. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Working With Pull Cable Systems</span></strong></div><br />I've had so much fun with my 48" 3DHS Demonstrator Edge that I wanted to build another one. I've been threatening to write an article on pull cable set up and this gave me an excuse to build another Demonstrator even though my first one is still in terrific shape. Maybe I'm just greedy.<br /><br />For those who have never done a pull system, it can be quite intimidating, but it's really just as easy as using a pushrod, just different. Like anything else, you&nbsp;need to know a few tricks and you learn those by doing them, and hopefully, from reading this article.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Setting Up The Pull System</span></strong></div><strong></strong><br />My first pull system had me scratching my head and cursing a little, but I learned enough from that to make subsequent ones go smoother. It's not that hard and there are no mysteries. After you do a couple you will wonder why you were intimidated to begin with. What I'm going to try to do is show you some of the little tricks I learned the first few times.<br /><br />If there are any hard and fast rules they are that you want a drag free and slop free system. The rudder has to move smoothly with no drag coming from a bad hinge job or ill fitted tailwheel assembly. The swivel connectors on the servo arms also have to have no drag on them, and as little slop as you can manage without getting them so tight they drag. If there is ever any doubt on any part of this, always go for smooth and drag&nbsp;free, slop free&nbsp;operation. This is critical for good rudder centering and makes for a good flying and nice tracking plane.<br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Cleaning Up The Cable Exits</strong><br />The slots for the cable are already laser cut into the fuselage sides, and the covering is slit so the wires can pass through. The first step it to tuck the covering into the slot with a trim iron. Get them out of the way so they don't put any drag on the cables. You can either cut them flush with the edge of the slot or tuck them in, but tucking them in makes for a neater and cleaner looking job. Here you want to use low heat to avoid the iron sticking and pulling the printing off. Take your time, do a neat job. I think you'll agree this looks a lot cleaner than leaving it loose.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXHIyOKH5g/WR41TTf2udI/AAAAAAAAImw/H0kjzpArtqohDH4q4VryplltyxZwjcS0wCLcB/s1600/20170518_131100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXHIyOKH5g/WR41TTf2udI/AAAAAAAAImw/H0kjzpArtqohDH4q4VryplltyxZwjcS0wCLcB/s400/20170518_131100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>The Cable Ends</strong><br />Now, thread the ball link onto the threaded connector piece. You can either hold the threaded connector with a pair of pliers and spin the ball link on by hand, or chuck the connector up in a small drill and spin it into the ball link. If you have arthritis, using the drill will make life a lot easier.<br /><br />The connector&nbsp;will be easier to handle this way because it gives you something to grip.&nbsp;I suggest threading it on all the way, then backing it off five turns or so. This will give you some additional adjustment should you need it later.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veOPpUwFvIc/WRsxHtSPVLI/AAAAAAAAIlA/Zon_8ZTxM7MG0LdNCgy6V39Jhl2OVO1JwCLcB/s1600/20170516_121511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veOPpUwFvIc/WRsxHtSPVLI/AAAAAAAAIlA/Zon_8ZTxM7MG0LdNCgy6V39Jhl2OVO1JwCLcB/s400/20170516_121511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With any operation, the cleanest and most tidy job is going to be the best solution. The least clean part of any cable installation are the cable ends and crimp pieces, and I've done my best to make that neater. Here is how the manual calls for the cable ends to be assembled. This works really well, though it's a bit messy for my taste. We are still going to do it the way the manual calls for, though we are going to tidy it up a bit. </div><br />Follow the manual and you will get what you see below. Again, this works well, but we're going to clean it up a little. I've put a battery on the ball link to hold it down and aid in getting a better photo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvuMjUs02JE/WRstREB0OzI/AAAAAAAAIkw/tMsfCpOrJKgGju4RXcJJ4I6FkKe1YTafwCEw/s1600/20170516_121034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvuMjUs02JE/WRstREB0OzI/AAAAAAAAIkw/tMsfCpOrJKgGju4RXcJJ4I6FkKe1YTafwCEw/s400/20170516_121034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>We are not really going to deviate from the manual here. We are just going to go one step further in making it look better. Again, the cleanest solution is the best one. What I try to do is eliminate the loop in the cable and the extra wire sticking out. First, I pull the wire in the loop&nbsp;tight enough to take the loop out. This goes a long way toward a cleaner appearance.&nbsp;Then I move the crimp piece closer to the threaded end piece to make the whole thing smaller and visually less intrusive.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDF1CTtRBfg/WRsvYPDbTWI/AAAAAAAAIk8/_flkJzaUeTYTVor17MU6RwWZjITXOs1zQCLcB/s1600/20170516_121437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDF1CTtRBfg/WRsvYPDbTWI/AAAAAAAAIk8/_flkJzaUeTYTVor17MU6RwWZjITXOs1zQCLcB/s400/20170516_121437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once you get it all lined up. take a pair of pliers and smash the crimp piece flat. Just to be sure, put a drop of thin CA on the wire and hold the piece so gravity helps it run into the crimp piece. Snip off the loose end of the cable and the whole thing looks a lot better. It's still pretty ugly. but we're not quite done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAeI8arn6LU/WRs5cXXSLHI/AAAAAAAAIlU/TY6QO_HyNxgT4UHzUTJ2eV7LwPCedSDswCEw/s1600/20170516_121506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAeI8arn6LU/WRs5cXXSLHI/AAAAAAAAIlU/TY6QO_HyNxgT4UHzUTJ2eV7LwPCedSDswCEw/s400/20170516_121506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Finally. I use a piece of heat shrink tubing to cover the whole thing up and make a nice presentation. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9E-f0l1ccg/WRszMsswVLI/AAAAAAAAIlM/ACQ0mStMFpgqKnxuYNKxeMe4kiJRNjkkACEw/s1600/20170516_121801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9E-f0l1ccg/WRszMsswVLI/AAAAAAAAIlM/ACQ0mStMFpgqKnxuYNKxeMe4kiJRNjkkACEw/s400/20170516_121801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Setting Up The Servo Arms</strong><br />Now we take care of the other end.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here I am using the standard Hitec double arm that comes with the servo and the 3DHS swivel connectors. These are nice because they afford easy cable tension adjustment.<br /><br />First, drill the outer holes in the servo arm with a 5/64&nbsp; size drill. I use a little hand drill from the Hobbico set, but in a pinch you can get away with hogging&nbsp;it out by spinning #11 Xacto blade in the hole. Drilling can leave behind some flash&nbsp;around the hole, and this can interfere with the swivels moving smoothly.&nbsp;I use an emery board to lightly sand the top and bottom of the arm. Good, smooth operation will help with proper servo centering.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmvTC2Bt6vg/WRuWIoLwgsI/AAAAAAAAIlk/CFhisTd8vhcznZWK4s9b4tOyJOWiKk3bgCLcB/s1600/20170516_195721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmvTC2Bt6vg/WRuWIoLwgsI/AAAAAAAAIlk/CFhisTd8vhcznZWK4s9b4tOyJOWiKk3bgCLcB/s400/20170516_195721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On the newest 3DHS swivel connectors the threads on the end are a little tighter so the nut spins on a little harder. This is a good thing because it makes it harder for it to come loose. Get the nut as tight as you can get it without introducing any drag. Again, you always want smooth, drag free operation on any control system. <br /><br />As you can see, the threaded end is a little long, and you have a few threads sticking out. The reason for this is&nbsp;you want to put&nbsp;to put CA on these threads to lock the nut on. I like to use a T pin to apply some thin CA to the exposed threads, and after that sets up, a dab of medium CA. This assures it's not going to come apart.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80PmQQ9GGZg/WRuWI84OceI/AAAAAAAAIlo/RetesbOPYyIOsQZ166oWZwUipJcdLetFQCEw/s1600/20170516_200232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80PmQQ9GGZg/WRuWI84OceI/AAAAAAAAIlo/RetesbOPYyIOsQZ166oWZwUipJcdLetFQCEw/s400/20170516_200232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />When you put the arm onto the rudder servo, use the sub trim in the transmitter to center it.<br /><br /><strong>Hooking It All Up</strong><br />With the cables attached to the control arm on the rudder and cables run forward into the fuselage, now it's time to hook them to the servo. Here I run the forward threaded end pieces halfway into the swivel connector,&nbsp; and this gives me adjustment both fore and aft, and remember, we have some adjustment in the rear if we need it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhoO3_T075A/WR87_UvKxNI/AAAAAAAAInA/BpaQjY_7OKsALMP0xkP1MFD3v23G-gdPgCEw/s1600/20170519_125850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhoO3_T075A/WR87_UvKxNI/AAAAAAAAInA/BpaQjY_7OKsALMP0xkP1MFD3v23G-gdPgCEw/s400/20170519_125850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now you want&nbsp;the rudder to stay centered so you can get the cable tension close, and for this I usually tape the&nbsp;rudder counter&nbsp;balance to the fin. Since the Demonstrator uses printed covering, I don't want to risk damaging it, so I have the wife or a friend&nbsp;&nbsp;pinch the two together.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I like to install one cable at a time because it's easier that way and you have less chance of mixing the cables up.&nbsp; You want the cables to cross over top of each other inside the fuselage so they line up straighter to the servo. By doing one cable at a time, you simply start with the left cable and attach it to the right side of the servo arm and the right cable to the left arm. I don't know why, but I always start with the left cable.</div><br />&nbsp;Make sure you slide the crimp piece onto the cable first.&nbsp; Starting with the left cable, run it through the right side forward threaded&nbsp;connector piece. Pull the cable tight. You want to be careful that you don't pull so tight that you start breaking things, but you want it tight enough that you won't run out of adjustment later.&nbsp;Usually the cables end up not being as tight as you thought you had them, so get the slack out. If it's either too tight or two loose, we left ourselves some adjustment by centering the forward connector pieces in the swivel, and remember we also left ourseves some emergency adjustment at the rear with the ball links.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp_a79geFes/WR88tgU3sII/AAAAAAAAInE/HsTcc2TS9HQp-F1bFkyBK72juxUncB47gCLcB/s1600/20170519_130407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp_a79geFes/WR88tgU3sII/AAAAAAAAInE/HsTcc2TS9HQp-F1bFkyBK72juxUncB47gCLcB/s400/20170519_130407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;One neat trick here (see above)&nbsp;is to get the cable tight, then bend it backwards at the connector. This will help it stay tight and not slip while you are running the wire back through the crimp piece. You can see I pulled the wire tight and then folded it over the connector.&nbsp;You can pinch the cable down on the connector with one hand&nbsp;and it's not going to come loose. Then you slide the other end into the crimp piece with your free hand (which has slid back out of sight in the photo).<br /><br />Like so............<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhPPjl01CRM/WR891FnG48I/AAAAAAAAInI/bHT9fx8ZbiAgQHqm-vmqe2j1RqKZkFYVACLcB/s1600/20170519_130443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhPPjl01CRM/WR891FnG48I/AAAAAAAAInI/bHT9fx8ZbiAgQHqm-vmqe2j1RqKZkFYVACLcB/s400/20170519_130443.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now you do the loop, which I did not get a picture of, but it's the same as we did on the other end and the same as in the manual. Again, I like to pull the loop tight,&nbsp; but also again,&nbsp;be careful you don't slip and start breaking stuff. If it's all good and still tight, smash the crimp piece down to lock that part of the adjustment in. Apply some thin CA to the crimp like you did on the rear and it's almost done. Put a paper towel in the bottom of the fuselage just in case you spill any CA. From there, snip off any excess wire, remove the threaded end pieces from the swivel and use heat shrink on the end and crimp pieces.<br /><br />Do the other side exactly the same way and you're almost home. Yes, I am well aware the rest of the radio installation looks like a rat's nest, but we'll clean that up later<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgtuySIlSjg/WR8-mMEhJfI/AAAAAAAAInM/H736lyW1tcgccSSC4KJE-Nh204NbZFQRwCLcB/s1600/20170519_131137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgtuySIlSjg/WR8-mMEhJfI/AAAAAAAAInM/H736lyW1tcgccSSC4KJE-Nh204NbZFQRwCLcB/s400/20170519_131137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />You may notice that my connectors did not even need adjusting. I got the centering and tension<br />perfect just by pulling the cables tight. Like I say, they normally come out a little looser than you planned, and keeping the slack out to begin with made it perfect. After you do one or two of these you can expect the same kind of results. None of this is a mystery. You just need to do one or two to get used to it, and then it's easy as pie.<br /><br />Now all&nbsp;&nbsp;the hard stuff is all done now. All that is left is the final adjustment.<br /><br /><strong>Adjustment</strong><br />Odds are pretty good you have it almost perfect. You want the cables tight enough that there is no sag in them, and there is no slop in the rudder. On the other hand, you don't want to get the cables guitar string tight either. That will kill the centering. Just adjust the cables so there is no sag in them, and no tighter. Assuming the rudder and swivel adjusters move smoothly with no drag, the rudder should center perfectly. if not, you probably have it too tight.<br /><br />Slide the forward threaded connectors in or out of the swivel connectors to get the rudder perfectly centered, then tighten them down.&nbsp;&nbsp;Generally, you don't want the cables so loose that you can move the rudder, and you don't want them so tight that the rudder doesn't center properly. The best rule of thumb is to get them tight enough that they don't sag, and no more. If you get them guitar string tight the rudder will center poorly and eventually the servo will burn out. If you get them too loose the rudder can move when the servo doesn't and it will center poorly to boot,&nbsp;which is never good.<br /><br />Another good rule of thumb is that if the rudder centers well, you are pretty close. Finally, as long as the rudder will repeatedly center, leave it alone!&nbsp;&nbsp;If you get it right now, you may have to adjust (usually tightening)&nbsp;the cables once or twice over the lifetime of the aircraft, but outside of that, it's pretty maintenance free. A little patience in getting it right now pays the dividend of you not having to mess with it later.<br /><br />Generally I try to take a little pride in my writing, but this procedure has been challenging to put into written word. I tried to explain this to a friend out of state over the phone and I did a poor job. Later he visited me and brought his new Demonstrator. It was finished except for&nbsp;the pull system, and I showed him how to do it in five minutes. Showing was a heck of a lot easier than explaining, and infinitely easier to understand, and I tried to keep that in mind when I wrote this. I hope you will find this clear and helpful.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Working With Vinyl Graphics</strong></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a few different ways to go for putting vinyl graphics on your plane, but for the purposes of this article we're going to talk about the two most popular. </div><br /><strong>Note:</strong> <em>To avoid confusion between the two types of decals, from this point on in the article we will refer to the single piece sheet decals that come with the kits as "kit decals" and B and E high quality "air release" type of decals as simply "decals." There are also two different ways to apply both types of decals, and we will also get into that later in the article.</em><br /><br /><strong>"Kit Decals"</strong><br />First are the decals that come with most of the kits. They are printed on a single sheet of clear vinyl, and you have to cut each one out, peel off the backing and stick it down.&nbsp;They are extremely grippy and unless you use a decal solution they are very difficult to position. You can forget about sliding them on because they simply stick too vociferously. Since on any text part of the decal there is clear vinyl between each letter, that's a lot of area to trap air under. To get good results with this type of decal, you just about have to use a decal solution.<br /><br />Generally I don't like these decals because it is a lot of work to cut them all out, they are hard to work with and they don't look nearly as good as the next type of decal were will be talking about. They still work, and since they come with the kit it makes sense to use them and save the money, provided you are not so super picky and critical as I am.<br /><br /><strong>High Quality Air release Vinyl Decals.</strong><br />Lately I have been using a lot of high quality vinyl "decals" from <strong><a href="http://www.bandegraphix.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">B and E Graphix</span></a></strong>. They now use the "air release" type of vinyl which has little air channels on the back side of the decal. These allow air to be pushed toward the edge of the decal and out. Sometimes the air will escape on it's own if you just let the thing sit for an hour or so. This makes air bubbles under the&nbsp;decal pretty close to a thing of the past.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYsuu7UgPUY/UJfvjcB_N8I/AAAAAAAACW4/0kwZsOD1Qjo/s1600/Laser+Glamor__042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYsuu7UgPUY/UJfvjcB_N8I/AAAAAAAACW4/0kwZsOD1Qjo/s400/Laser+Glamor__042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Applying this kind of decal is also&nbsp;easier because, for one, it is much more forgiving to work with. It you get a decal a little crooked you can get it back up if you are careful. This is much easier than when working with the other type of decal which is so grippy you have no chance to slide it around and adjust it.<br /><br />On these types of decals you have a backing, of course, but also there is a piece of backing on the front of the covering. This is called "application tape." The reason for this additional piece of tape is because each letter in a text decal is it's own separate piece of vinyl with no clear material between those letters. For instance, on an "Extreme Flight" decal, the "E" and the "X" and the "T" and all the rest of the letters&nbsp;are all separate pieces of vinyl. The application tape simply keeps all the letters aligned until you can get them down, and then you peel the outer piece of application tape off, and you are done.<br /><br />There are two ways to apply these type of decals. One way is simply peel and stick and then peel off the outer application tape. The other is to use decal solvent, which we will cover later.&nbsp;For now we are just going to peel and stick.<br /><br />Perhaps a little too confusing to explain in words when pictures work so well, so here are some pictures. As you can see at the top of the picture, the decals still come on one sheet, or in the case of the laser, because there are so many decals, two sheets. Here I have the SFG all cleaned off with lacquer thinner (removes any covering glue residue) and an SFG decal cut from the main sheet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkqiQ-eGV_c/UJff2M1Hy7I/AAAAAAAACU8/u4mAb-51jVk/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkqiQ-eGV_c/UJff2M1Hy7I/AAAAAAAACU8/u4mAb-51jVk/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Below I have peeled the backing partially off so you can see what it looks like and how the three layers are put together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGcfpBSht-8/UJff3hW5__I/AAAAAAAACVE/zHyb3O0NRRM/s1600/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGcfpBSht-8/UJff3hW5__I/AAAAAAAACVE/zHyb3O0NRRM/s320/02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now you simply align it and lay it on the SFG. Rub it down and we are almost done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZqTJtcqLAg/UJff46xDJYI/AAAAAAAACVM/IXdDlajjKdc/s1600/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZqTJtcqLAg/UJff46xDJYI/AAAAAAAACVM/IXdDlajjKdc/s320/03.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;</div><br />Now you can clearly see how the application tape does it's job in keeping all the separate pieces aligned for, well ..... application. You just peel it off. It is helpful to peel the tape off in a direction parallel to the surface. This helps you <em>not</em> pull the decal back off or pull the covering from the wood.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69CIszqor84/UJff6U2zU5I/AAAAAAAACVU/7SqIe2mukZ4/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69CIszqor84/UJff6U2zU5I/AAAAAAAACVU/7SqIe2mukZ4/s320/04.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And now, the finished SFG.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHLoxukhBPk/UJff7rkmoOI/AAAAAAAACVc/Mqd2JJ1whzA/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHLoxukhBPk/UJff7rkmoOI/AAAAAAAACVc/Mqd2JJ1whzA/s320/05.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>Application Fluid</strong><br />Previously I was using Windex for my" kit decals," but I have since learned that the ammonia attacks and dissolves the decal glue and makes the edges not stick quite so well. "<strong><a href="http://www.bandegraphix.com/accessories/application-fluid/" target="_blank">Rapic Tac</a></strong>" application fluid&nbsp;works so much better because it is inert toward the glue, and it also seems to allow air to escape better, especially when working with "kit" decals.<br /><br />For the rest of my new Laser I used "Rapid Tac" decal application fluid. B and E sells this, but you can also get it at most graphics stores. It is really good stuff and makes the job a lot easier, especially on the Laser.&nbsp; The whole idea of application fluid is to allow you to slide the decal around until you get it where you want it, and then squeegee the fluid and air out so the decal will stick.<br /><br /><strong>According to the B and E web page:</strong> <em>Using Rapid Tac Application fluid can often allow a large graphic to be installed with one person where two people were required to perform the same installation dry. Rapid Tac Application Fluid also cleans the surface without leaving residues ensuring a contaminant free installation. It then helps to -float- the vinyl film until it is properly positioned.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Also on the B and e web page are <strong><a href="http://www.bandegraphix.com/accessories/application-fluid/rc-rapid-tac-wet-installation-fluid_78/" target="_blank">instructions for using Rapid Tac.</a></strong></em><br /><em></em><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDq085_53nA/UJfwgjk3XvI/AAAAAAAACXI/4M9-99QOayA/s1600/Laser+Glamor__046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDq085_53nA/UJfwgjk3XvI/AAAAAAAACXI/4M9-99QOayA/s400/Laser+Glamor__046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><em></em><br />I found all of this to be true. The stuff works really, really well and gives you are very nicely finished plane.<br /><br />Previously, for my high quality decals I just peeled and stuck them because none of them were really big and perfect&nbsp;alignment was not super crucial. The Laser, however, is such a special plane for me that&nbsp;everything on it had to be absolutely micrometer perfect.&nbsp; The laser has long stripes and stars, and near perfect alignment is critical to get an great looking replica of Leo Loudenslager's awesome plane.<br /><br />Of course, I had B and E cut me up a set of beautiful air release decals. It was putting them on that was going to be a bit tricky. I built one Laser just peeling and sticking the long stripes, and while it came out well, it was a huge amount of work and stress getting it all aligned perfectly, though admittedly, the stress was only bad because this plane means so much to me.<br /><br />For this Laser, I went with <strong><a href="http://www.bandegraphix.com/accessories/application-fluid/rc-rapid-tac-wet-installation-fluid_78/" target="_blank">Rapic Tac</a></strong> and it was a whole new world of easy. You can use all the Rapid Tac you want because it does not effect the glue. You can wet down the plane and the back of the decal too and it makes no difference except making it all easier to slide around.<br /><br />Unfortunately my camera started acting all crazy halfway through this project, so I did not get all the photos I wanted. For now, here is a picture of the soft plastic squeegee I got at the graphics store, though I believe B and E has them too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95Fx0Dn4wNk/UJf1_LG68bI/AAAAAAAACX8/S69oCf8gZ-M/s1600/Squeegie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95Fx0Dn4wNk/UJf1_LG68bI/AAAAAAAACX8/S69oCf8gZ-M/s400/Squeegie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />What you do is peel off the backing tape and then spray the area you want to apply the decal to with Rapic Tac. Position the decal by sliding it around on the plane until you get it where you want it. Then squeegee the fluid and air bubbles out from under the decal. On the Laser this was especially helpful to be able to slide the decal onto position because alignment was so critical to get a great looking plane.<br /><br />Not wanting to screw up an expensive decal set I experimented on a wrecked wing using standard kit decals. Rapid Tac is especially essential with those type of decals because they are so grippy that you can almost never get them straight and with no bubbles. With Rapid Tac they just slide into place where you want them and then you squeegee out the fluid and air. It makes for a much better looking kit decal, but it is still not as good as high quality vinyl decals.<br /><br />I wasn't able to get any pictures of the Laser decal application but I will take some when I get a new camera and edit the article. However, as you can see, with the long, flowing stripes the decals have to be perfect for the plane to look good. Using the air release vinyl decals and Rapid Tac, I would get one end of the stripe positioned and hold it in place while I slid the other end where I wanted it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZCp3Lh5N-M/UJf34EJfhbI/AAAAAAAACYE/mlYL0EQmKD8/s1600/Laser+Glamor__050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZCp3Lh5N-M/UJf34EJfhbI/AAAAAAAACYE/mlYL0EQmKD8/s400/Laser+Glamor__050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once you have built so many planes and applied so many stickers and such you develop an eye for getting things straight. Being able to slide the decal exactly where you want it makes things so much easier, whether it is a standard kit decal or high quality air release graphics.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">FINALLY...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;In the end, it's mostly up to you&nbsp;how&nbsp;well your plane does or doesn't fly. Take your time with everything and make it as good as you know how. Time is not an issue and there are no macho points for getting it done fast. </span><span style="font-size: small;">If you skip a detail or resign yourself that something marginal&nbsp;is "good enough," you could very easily end up with a plane that doesn't trim out well, fly straight, or even buy yourself a crash.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">With most manufacturers, always follow the manual and the recommended control/expo/rate set up, at least as a place to start. </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Remember that details count ... <strong>all</strong> the details count. Take your time especially to do one last thorough inspection of everything, especially making sure the controls are moving the right direction and your rates and expos are right. That alone could save you an airplane.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjSKj3mIyfQ/WA9iryTQKqI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/fwscylLh7KEgz78KgA56j0oEtduyj6VTgCLcB/s1600/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjSKj3mIyfQ/WA9iryTQKqI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/fwscylLh7KEgz78KgA56j0oEtduyj6VTgCLcB/s640/TP%2B60%2BExtra%2BEXP_007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div>Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245334704739395263.post-24263671656389087152015-12-30T18:45:00.000-05:002016-02-11T01:24:39.297-05:00Tweaking out the 3DHS Extra__MURDER SHP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrdDOdunehI/VoRkg8eLUHI/AAAAAAAAHYo/A9t_F8FekII/s1600/New%2BExtreme%2BFlight%2BArtwork%2BTemplates__0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrdDOdunehI/VoRkg8eLUHI/AAAAAAAAHYo/A9t_F8FekII/s640/New%2BExtreme%2BFlight%2BArtwork%2BTemplates__0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>I've been flying the <strong><a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/47-Extra-300-SHP--Red_p_629.html" target="_blank">3D Hobby Shop&nbsp;Extra SHP</a></strong> for so long that&nbsp;I know the airplane almost forward and backwards. I have built maybe 10 or so of them for myself and friends, and I have utterly thousands of flights on these airframes. With each new one I keep finding ways to push the plane harder and harder, and this one especially will be no exception.<br /><br />I have always intended to build the ultimate SHP, but I just never got around to it.&nbsp;I wanted to build&nbsp;it&nbsp;with the best of everything, and with every tweak I have ever learned flying this airframe. There has always been something I wanted to try on "the next one," like high voltage servos, an all ball link pushrod system, electronic stability system (ESS), and just generally apply eight years of experience with this plane to build the best one ever.&nbsp;Now I have all the pieces together (except as of this writing the stability system is not here), and the time is right.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Click To Enlarge (All Pictures)</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gu1PrizjQc/VoQC-ciNVJI/AAAAAAAAHX0/tIwXkp8EDac/s1600/20151229_151959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gu1PrizjQc/VoQC-ciNVJI/AAAAAAAAHX0/tIwXkp8EDac/s400/20151229_151959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As you can see it's still an SHP, and it doesn't even look that different from my other ones. The big differences are going to be in the little details.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Old Setup</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before this project, I think we were getting everything we could have from the plane and equipment we were using. The SHP is closing in on eight years old, though it still does the job it was intended for with remarkable grace. However, as&nbsp;the equipment improves you can get more from the plane.</div><br />The SHP I flew all summer used the tried and true <a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/analog-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-65mg-mighty-metal-gear-feather-servo/product" target="_blank"><strong>Hitec&nbsp;HS65MG servos</strong></a>, and those were still fine. The plane still flew beautifully and was a joy to fly, though I think the newer high voltage <strong><a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5087mh-hv-premium-digital-metal-gear-micro-servo-/product" target="_blank">Hitec&nbsp;HS5070MH</a></strong>&nbsp;servos will take the new plane to the next level.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154494951" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />Extra SHP__The Boomerang Returns from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154503675" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/154503675">Extra SHP__The Boomerang Returns II</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>The New Ride</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Servos</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">For starters, my friends at <strong><a href="http://hitecrcd.com/" target="_blank">Hitec</a></strong> sent some <strong><a href="http://hitecrcd.com/products/servos/micro-and-mini-servos/digital-micro-and-mini-servos/hs-5087mh-hv-premium-digital-metal-gear-micro-servo-/product" target="_blank">HS5070MH</a></strong> servos for this plane, and those have worked so well in my EXPs that I am confident they&nbsp;will really improve the SHP. These servos&nbsp;drop right in to the existing servo opening and you don't have to modify the plane in any way, which is nice since it helps the build go smoother.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The faster response and higher torque of these servos&nbsp;are really nice, but the thing I like most about them is their super precise centering. You can super fine trim the plane by turning the trim adjustments down, and with the superb centering the plane really locks in. This shows up most in precision maneuvers because the better trimmed out the plane is, the less corrections you have to make. Just point it and go.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the higher Torque, stalling and blowback are relegated to the dark ages. Now you get instant response, and full deflection. Previously the drag of the control surfaces would slow the plane and dissipate some energy before the surfaces could fully deflect, but now it's like flipping a light switch, You have the control surfaces pegged <em>instantly</em>&nbsp;while the plane is still carrying maximum speed and energy, which transforms violent snaps and tumbles into <strong><em><u>violent&nbsp;</u></em></strong>snaps and tumbles.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Pushrods</strong></div>We have known for awhile that ball link hardware is the way to go. Awhile back the SHP pushrods were converted to ball links, but only at the control horns. The SHP still uses the swivel-type connectors at the servo arm. If there is any one thing that can be improved on this plane, I think it's having ball links all the way around.<br /><br />Ball links, when set up properly, work smoothly, and are&nbsp;drag free and slop free. With ball links you get a more precise flying plane. You get a better flying plane, and I wanted this to be the best SHP yet. This means that&nbsp;ball links all the way around were the only choice. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Set Up</span></strong></div><strong>Aileron Set Up</strong><br />Astonishingly, the aileron pushrods and ball links from the 44" Slick work perfectly on the SHP. <br />All I had to do was turn the servo around so the output shaft is further from the control surface. This part was easy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieGuECzLLxY/VoMDZXC9FxI/AAAAAAAAHWc/1S_LHA0BZZE/s1600/Aileron%2BSet%2BUp%2B007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieGuECzLLxY/VoMDZXC9FxI/AAAAAAAAHWc/1S_LHA0BZZE/s400/Aileron%2BSet%2BUp%2B007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Elevator Pushrod</strong><br /><strong></strong>Now we get to the lucky part. I found a rod threaded on both ends that turns out to be exactly perfect for the elevator. I just spun the ball links on all the way and it works. Scratch around in your box of wire and threaded rods and you might be lucky too. If you can't find a suitable pushrod, keep reading because I had to make one for the rudder, which I will show you in the&nbsp;rudder pushrod section below.<br /><br />This servo arm was made out of carbon fiber&nbsp;a few years ago by a friend. It was just meant to be a little bit of bling, and it's been on all my SHPs since. It looks cool, so why not?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqY1zgb8mZM/VoMEZyHhFAI/AAAAAAAAHWo/eHGB4zQ5FPs/s1600/Elevator%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqY1zgb8mZM/VoMEZyHhFAI/AAAAAAAAHWo/eHGB4zQ5FPs/s400/Elevator%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /><strong>Rudder Pushrod</strong><br />Now this is the hard part, but it wasn't really that hard. I could not find any 2mm threaded rod, but I had some 256. It's a little too big for the 3DHS ball links, but 2mm Dubro is a little beefier where the rod goes in, and I used those. Once I had the right length figured out, I used medium CA on the rod and then slid a carbon tube over the outside. After that set up I ran a little thin CA into each end and let it seep in. <br /><br />This rod was just a tiny bit too big, but if you get the right size the rod will thread into the carbon. Then a drop of thin CA on either end will secure it nicely. You can also make an elevator pushrod like this, and even the aileron pushrods. Making all the pushrods like this would be even cooler because it's carbon and it will all match. It works, but it's also cool bling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpG69_SyikM/VoMGB5Q7VcI/AAAAAAAAHW4/tr2AmOzh0DY/s1600/Rudder%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpG69_SyikM/VoMGB5Q7VcI/AAAAAAAAHW4/tr2AmOzh0DY/s400/Rudder%2BSet%2BUp%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Here you can see a set up error which I have since corrected. The rudder pushrod is on the wrong side of the control horn. As you can see, the pushrod is not properly aligned between the servo and rudder control horn, I solved this by moving the ball link to the other side of the control horn and now it is a straight shot from the servo to the rudder.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Setting Up The Ball Links</strong>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It takes a little care to set the ball links up, but it pays big dividends. I have already covered this in another article, so scroll down to <strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/11/extra-explike-going-home.html" target="_blank">Ball Link Set Up</a>. </strong></div><br />For securing the ball links I depart from the hardware pack a little bit. I like to use Dubro 2mm X 12mm case hardened allen bolts. It is always easier to work with an allen driver than a screwdriver, and I've got a really nice set of Losi tools for this. I also like to use an aircraft locking nut, and then a regular hex nut on top of that and <a href="http://www.boltscience.com/pages/twonuts.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;">jam nut</span></a> the two together. Once that is done, I apply the <span data-dobid="hdw"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_de_gr%C3%A2ce" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;">coup de grâce</span></a>&nbsp;in the form of a drop of medium CA to the exposed threads. Like this, the assembly can never come apart on it's own, but by spinning the nut off it will shatter the CA and you can take the assembly apart from there.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISSMbBHX4tk/VoMKc-ftsFI/AAAAAAAAHXI/UPpjNe_VMu4/s1600/Double%2BNutting%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISSMbBHX4tk/VoMKc-ftsFI/AAAAAAAAHXI/UPpjNe_VMu4/s400/Double%2BNutting%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />One thing I have wrong in this picture is that the ball link is a little bit twisted. You want that to be centered on the ball so it will operate at maximum freeness. I just had not gotten&nbsp;to checking that yet when I took the photos.<br /><br /><strong>Powering The Servos</strong><br />For these servos I needed a 7.4 volt power source. The Airboss ESC puts out 6, which isn't enough. To solve this I used a <a href="http://www.castlecreations.com/products/ccbec.html" target="_blank">Castle Creations&nbsp;10 amp separate BEC</a>. I've been running these servos on 7.4 volts (while they are&nbsp;capable of 8) but this time I turned them up to 7.8. With Castle's link&nbsp;USB program it's a five second job.<br /><br />I have always hated running a separate BEC simply because of the extra complexity. That, and it took me awhile to understand them. I came into electric RC not even knowing what an amp was, so understanding a BEC took a little bit of experience with them. I still hate the complexity, but my soldering has gotten better over the years and now installing a BEC is no big deal. Now, it's just an extra piece.<br /><br />I was also reluctant to use them because of my poor computer skills, but Castle's excellent program makes it easy. Since you can see, and check what you are doing it's easy to set it once and forget about it. You can't change the programming by accident like you can with ESC, so I like that part.<br /><br />Since the BEC runs the radio, you want to keep it cool. Here you can see I mounted it with Velcro<br />right behind the first former and down low . It is reasonably out in the open, so cooling should not be an issue. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peVA0SXUfz8/VoMJT8tyrpI/AAAAAAAAHXA/iJmkLabCqQU/s1600/Casrtle%2BBEC%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peVA0SXUfz8/VoMJT8tyrpI/AAAAAAAAHXA/iJmkLabCqQU/s400/Casrtle%2BBEC%2B002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>In the end, though, nothing is as simple, reliable and easy to use as an Airboss ESC, so I hope we see&nbsp; 7.4 capable Airboss ESC soon. With the current 45 amp unit, you just take it out of the package, install it, and then forget about it. It's hard to beat that for being&nbsp;user friendly.<br /><br /><strong>Power System</strong><br />There was never any doubt it was going to be the <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Extreme-Flight-RC-Torque-2814T-820kV-Brushless-Outrunner_p_1709.html" target="_blank">Torque 2814</a> and <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/Extreme-Flight-RC-Airboss-45A-Elite-ESC_p_1706.html" target="_blank">Airboss 45 Elite ESC</a>.&nbsp; I've been using this system exclusively in my 47-48" planes for the last eight years, and they have never let me down. This plane was originally designed for this power system and it simply bolts on perfectly, kind of like the plane was originally designed for it!<br /><br />You can see this motor is pretty beat up. It's been around a long time and served duty in my beata Yak and my last two SHPs. Basically it has had the snot run out of it, but it still runs well enough that it keeps on chugging. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-jmKAHr4FE/VoQFwVHPN5I/AAAAAAAAHYA/pSNh89ajP7Q/s1600/Power%2BSystem%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-jmKAHr4FE/VoQFwVHPN5I/AAAAAAAAHYA/pSNh89ajP7Q/s400/Power%2BSystem%2B002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />If you click to enlarge the photo, you can see I cut the switch off the speed controller (ESC), soldered the wires together and heat shrunk them, and then stuffed them into the clear heat shrink on the outside of the ESC. I do this because with a separate BEC the switch is disabled anyway. I am so used to having a switch on the plane that using it&nbsp;is part of my safety procedure. I cut the switch off because now it doesn't do anything and can give a false sense of security. Any time the plane is plugged in, it is live, and in this case the switch is like a safety on a gun that doesn't work. You can plug the plane in with the switch in the off position, but it's still live and can bite you. In this case it is better to simply cut the switch off so it doesn't confuse me.<br /><br /><strong>Tailwheel</strong><br />I used an <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/48-Airframes-Tail-Wheel-Assembly_p_1908.html" target="_blank">Extreme Flight EXP tailwheel assembly</a> on my last SHP, and I found it to be a big improvement. I have always liked this assembly anyway, and it works superbly on the SHP. In my last Extra EXP article I showed how to set one of these up to be almost maintenance free. Scroll down to <em><strong><a href="http://docaustinextreme.blogspot.com/2015/11/extra-explike-going-home.html" target="_blank">tailwheel assembly</a>.</strong></em><br /><strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57ZTYulfBxY/VoMRoeUfqSI/AAAAAAAAHXY/uISI0iJkKFw/s1600/EXP%2BTailwheel%2BAssembly%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57ZTYulfBxY/VoMRoeUfqSI/AAAAAAAAHXY/uISI0iJkKFw/s400/EXP%2BTailwheel%2BAssembly%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /><strong>Wheel Pants</strong><br />While not a big detail I really like the shape of the <a href="http://extremeflightrc.com/48-Airframes-Wheel-Pants-Black_p_2014.html" target="_blank">Extreme Flight wheel pant</a>. They are a little&nbsp;heavier and more robust that the pant that comes with the kit, which will come in handy when bouncing the plane off the deck. The black look also affords a good place for a Thunder Power decal, which has become customary on all my wheel pants.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--dFQiDipQgs/VoXXT6i6k1I/AAAAAAAAHZk/Xoz6z6xBhZM/s1600/20151231_202518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--dFQiDipQgs/VoXXT6i6k1I/AAAAAAAAHZk/Xoz6z6xBhZM/s400/20151231_202518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Decals</strong><br />Normally I do a lot of business with <a href="http://www.bandegraphix.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>B and E Graphics</em></strong></a>, but this project came together quickly and it was faster to go through a friend locally who runs a graphix store. The white roundels are duplicates of the ones that come with the red 48" Yak EXP, only they are made from 3M High Performance Vinyl. They are much thinner and about a quarter of the weight of the stock decals. This makes them pliable and easy to work with. 3M High Performance Vinyl is also much easier to apply with decal solution. The air&nbsp;and fluid squeezes out easily with a graphics squeegie, or in a pinch a credit card will work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-642wQC5WF50/VoQMB380mSI/AAAAAAAAHYY/K-pIOR2pHtg/s1600/20151229_151921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-642wQC5WF50/VoQMB380mSI/AAAAAAAAHYY/K-pIOR2pHtg/s200/20151229_151921.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kE1b3su82vc/VoQL-qeo9uI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/BpwukKRbQ2U/s1600/20151229_151938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kE1b3su82vc/VoQL-qeo9uI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/BpwukKRbQ2U/s200/20151229_151938.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Custom decals are almost always better than what comes in the kit. They are easier to work with, look better, and in the event you have to remove them, come off easier too. It's just more of the best of everything. You can have anything in decals&nbsp;you need made by B and E Graphics. They have all the 3DHS and Extreme Flight artwork and can pop it out in a couple of days.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">FLYING</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I only managed two short flights so far because I got to the field and discovered I had forgotten my batteries! I borrowed a couple of packs from friends&nbsp;and got the SHP dialed in pretty quickly. Everything worked just like I was expecting, except the servo centering was even better and the SHP is now locked in like&nbsp;never before.&nbsp;Along with the double ball link pushrods, the SHP is even more precise flying,&nbsp;and it was&nbsp;already pretty damm good.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReNm4xKOeh4/VoRlS_Evt8I/AAAAAAAAHZA/CEnP6GkHZac/s640/20151230_150907.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">The biggest surprise is how hard the SHP will pop in a parachute when you have the irresistible force of an HS5070MH behind the elevator. It's just plain silly. The rolls on low rate were&nbsp;also much faster than I was expecting because now there is absolutely no stalling, and I had to turn that back about 7 or 8% to get my customary 3 rolls in five seconds.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Snaps and tumbles are much improved with the servo's big torque and holding power. I expect it to become even more violent with the speed, power, and momentum carrying weight of a 4s 2700 packs. Right now it's just gentle and easy like the last one was on 3s.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">There's not really a lot I can say after only a couple of flights on 3s power. The plane is definitely the best SHP I have built yet, but I don't think we will see the real gains until I fly it hard on 4s.<br /><br />In all it was a really good first day for the plane, though the conditions were so bad we didn't even try to shoot video. It would not have been fair to the plane, but the blog this summer is overflowing with SHP videos. Until we get some good weather and new footage, you can check those out.<br /><br /><strong>EDIT: </strong>Between the bad weather and backlog of other projects, it took longer than we expected to get some 4s Murder SHP 4s&nbsp;video. After adding the SFGs to the elevator and going to 4s power, this plane is as tweaked out as I know how to make it. You can see the power, acceleration and speed are absolutely insane. It's a bad ass little monster.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/153642789" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/153642789">Murder SHP__4 Cells Of Murder</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user714849">Doc Austin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br />I am still planning to add a stability system, but it has been a mater of researching to find the best one that I can still afford. remember, I have a whole fleet of planes that I will probably want to convert, so $100 gyros are out of the question. I could always try something cheap, but then you run the danger of it not working so well and maybe losing the plane. I've got it narrowed down to a few choices and hope to order a stability ystem soon. Right now I am just having fun with the plane and hate to change anything because it is flying so well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmcWwBghA7Q/VoRk_R7wP7I/AAAAAAAAHY4/Y_vZPbyjnsU/s1600/20151230_150916%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmcWwBghA7Q/VoRk_R7wP7I/AAAAAAAAHY4/Y_vZPbyjnsU/s200/20151230_150916%25280%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okB0xaxfaXg/VoRk8W-3UII/AAAAAAAAHYw/DIR2Pn5YDls/s1600/20151230_150904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okB0xaxfaXg/VoRk8W-3UII/AAAAAAAAHYw/DIR2Pn5YDls/s200/20151230_150904.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><strong>EDIT:</strong> Here's the final tweak to the Murder SHP. The SFGs on the tail are downsized copies of the original Extra SR SFG. I had a few made up at a local laser cutting shop to fit to my SRs, and later my MXS'. They add a little bit of elevator authority and yaw authority, and maybe some all around stability.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9g_RVudmwT4/VpqpSK0zLjI/AAAAAAAAHaU/zzYlonhZtVE/s1600/20160116_152809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9g_RVudmwT4/VpqpSK0zLjI/AAAAAAAAHaU/zzYlonhZtVE/s200/20160116_152809.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQnL8sxA0ZQ/VpqpSS76hiI/AAAAAAAAHaY/9fv0gjjCL6E/s1600/20160116_152824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQnL8sxA0ZQ/VpqpSS76hiI/AAAAAAAAHaY/9fv0gjjCL6E/s200/20160116_152824.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bR17F1BW-SY/VoRotlccBiI/AAAAAAAAHZM/-ltJ-d6EXNk/s1600/Extra%2BSHP%2BLightning%2BArtwork%2B0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bR17F1BW-SY/VoRotlccBiI/AAAAAAAAHZM/-ltJ-d6EXNk/s640/Extra%2BSHP%2BLightning%2BArtwork%2B0008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Doc Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09358924159613442642noreply@blogger.com1